System and method for performing an automatic and remote trained personnel guided medical examination

ABSTRACT

A method for performing one or more remote medical examinations of a patient using a workstation operably connectable to a remote diagnostics device, and wherein for at least one remote medical examination of the remote medical examinations the method comprising: receiving navigation enabling data acquired by at least one navigation sensor of the device, the navigation enabling data being indicative of a spatial disposition of the with respect to the patient&#39;s body; displaying the received navigation enabling data; receiving an indication of a desired spatial disposition of the device with respect to the patient&#39;s body, from which medical data of the patient is to be acquired in accordance with the at least one medical examination, the indication being provided by a trained personnel operating the workstation; and sending the received indication to the device, thus enabling navigation thereof to the desired spatial disposition with respect to the patient&#39;s body.

FIELD OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

This invention relates to the field of medical examinations, and morespecifically to the field of automatic and remote trained personnelguided medical examinations.

BACKGROUND

Prior art references considered to be relevant as background to thepresently disclosed subject matter are listed below. Listings of thereferences herein is not to be inferred as admitting that these are inany way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subjectmatter disclosed herein. In addition, references cited in theapplication are not necessarily admitted as being prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,198 (Chong et al.) issued Apr. 8, 2003 discloses astethoscope system for self-examination whereby the condition of healthof a particular individual can be diagnosed by comparing characteristicsound waves classified by diseases with sound waves generated fromvarious parts of the individual's body. This system also provides forremote medical examination whereby sound waves generated from variousparts of the individual's body are transmitted to a medical specialistusing the Internet and receiving a virtual medical examination via theInternet.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,432 (Mondey) issued Jan. 11, 2000 discloses a homehealth care system comprising: patient station including a firstvideophone, an electronic imaging assembly and a stethoscope assembly,coupled to said first videophone, for respectively producing digitalimage and physiological sound signals of a patient, wherein said firstvideophone simultaneously transmits said digital signals over a publictelecommunications network; and a health care provider's stationincluding a second videophone, a video display and a sound reproducer,wherein the second videophone receives digital signals from the firstvideophone over the public telecommunications network, displays theimages of the patient on the display, and reproduces the physiologicalsounds of the patient by the sound reproducer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,261 (Monroe et al.) issued Jun. 18, 1996 discloses ahandheld, fully remote diagnostic instrument having video capabilitythat is configured for any one of a number of clinical or industrialapplications. The instrument has a casing that includes a hand-holdablebody portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to ahead portion that is formed of a back cover, a front cover, and asealing gasket to form a fully soakable instrument. A circuit boardassembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and aflexible neck board which extends forward from the body portion throughthe neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the headportion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp aredisposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focuslens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lenscell's field of view. The instrument can be configured for variousapplications by installing front and back covers that are suited for aspecific purpose. The instrument can thus be used, for example, as anotoscope, a dental camera, or an episcope. The instrument provides amonitor-ready standard format full color video signal to a remotelylocated monitor.

SUMMARY

The inventors have found that nowadays, people are often required toperform medical examinations. Such checks may be required as a routinecheck-up, according to a patients request, or in light of a need thatarises (such as, for example, when a person does not feel well).Normally, such checks are performed during a face to face visit tomedically trained personnel (e.g. a physician, a nurse, etc.) in lightof the fact that there is a need of certain knowledge, as well asequipment, in order to perform such examinations. It is estimated thatthere are billions of medical examinations performed each year. It is tobe noted that the number of general examinations is expected to grow inthe future as the average life expectancy keeps rising, and elderlypeople tend to use more medical service. It is also to be noted thatthere is a constant decline in the number of the medically trainedpersonnel (e.g. physicians and nurses) that can serve the community,thus creating a reduced availability and growth of service load. Eachsuch medical examination requires the patient to meet with trainedpersonnel, at a certain location (e.g. clinic, hospital, patient'shouse, etc.).

There is thus a need in the art for a new system and method that willreduce the load and increase the availability of trained personnel byperforming an automatic and remote trained personnel guided medicalexamination.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is provided a workstation configured for performing at least oneremote medical examination wherein the workstation is operablyconnectable to a remote diagnostics device and wherein the workstationcomprising at least one processor configured to perform the followingfor each of the at least one remote medical examinations: receivenavigation enabling data from at least one navigation sensor of thediagnostics device and display the received data on a display; and basedon the displayed navigation enabling data, enable providing dataacquisition guidance for positioning and orienting the diagnostic deviceto enable acquiring medical data of a patient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is further provided a workstation wherein the processor isfurther configured, for each of the at least one remote medicalexaminations, to instruct at least one diagnostics sensor of thediagnostics device to acquire the medical data of the patient uponpositioning and orienting of the diagnostics device.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein the enableproviding data acquisition guidance for positioning and orienting thediagnostic device to enable acquiring medical data of a patient isfurther based on pre-defined reference data.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation further connected toa guiding device and wherein the data acquisition guidance forpositioning and orienting the diagnostic device to enable acquiringmedical data of a patient is received from the guiding device.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a workstation wherein thenavigation sensor is one of the following:

-   -   (a) a camera;    -   (b) a distance sensor;    -   (c) a pressure sensor;    -   (d) a microphone;    -   (e) an INS sensor.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is still further provided a method for operating a workstation forperforming at least one remote medical examination wherein theworkstation is operably connectable to a remote diagnostics device, foreach of the at least one remote medical examinations the methodcomprising: receiving navigation enabling data from at least onenavigation sensor of the diagnostics device and display the receiveddata on a display; and based on the displayed navigation enabling data,enabling providing data acquisition guidance for positioning andorienting the diagnostic device to enable acquiring medical data of apatient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a method wherein for each of theat least one remote medical examinations the method further comprisesinstructing at least one diagnostics sensor of the diagnostics device toacquire the medical data of the patient upon positioning and orientingof the diagnostics device.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a method wherein the enablingproviding data acquisition guidance for positioning and orienting thediagnostic device to enable acquiring medical data of a patient isfurther based on pre-defined reference data.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a method wherein the workstationis further operably connectable to a guiding device and wherein the dataacquisition guidance for positioning and orienting the diagnostic deviceto enable acquiring medical data of a patient is received from theguiding device.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a method wherein the navigationsensor is one of the following:

-   -   (a) a camera;    -   (b) a distance sensor;    -   (c) a pressure sensor;    -   (d) a microphone;    -   (e) an IMU sensor.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is still further provided a handheld diagnostics device forperforming at least one remote medical examination wherein the handhelddiagnostics device is operably connectable to a remote workstation andwherein the handheld diagnostics device comprising at least onenavigation sensor, at least one diagnostics sensor and at least oneprocessor configured to perform the following for the at least oneremote medical examinations: transmit data from at least one navigationsensor of the diagnostics device to the remote workstation; and receivean instruction to acquire medical data of a patient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the processor is further configured, for each of the at leastone remote medical examinations, in response to receiving theinstruction to acquire medical data of a patient, transmit data from theat least one diagnostics sensor to the remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a handheld diagnostics devicefurther operably connectable to a second workstation and wherein theprocessor is further configured to transmit data from at least onenavigation sensor of the diagnostics device to the second workstationfor displaying the data.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is still further provided a method for operating a handhelddiagnostics device for performing at least one remote medicalexamination wherein the handheld diagnostics device is operablyconnectable to a remote workstation, for each of the at least one remotemedical examinations the method comprising transmitting data from atleast one navigation sensor of the diagnostics device to the remoteworkstation; and receiving an instruction to acquire medical data of apatient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a method wherein for each of theat least one remote medical examinations the method further comprises inresponse to receiving the instruction to acquire medical data of apatient, transmitting data from the at least one diagnostics sensor tothe remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a method wherein the handhelddiagnostics device is further operably connectable to a secondworkstation, the method further comprising transmitting data from atleast one navigation sensor of the diagnostics device to the secondworkstation for displaying the data.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is provided a workstation configured to perform one or more remotemedical examinations of a patient wherein the workstation is operablyconnectable to a remote diagnostics device and wherein the workstationcomprising a display and at least one processor configured to performthe following for at least one remote medical examination of the remotemedical examinations:

-   -   receive navigation enabling data acquired by at least one        navigation sensor of the remote diagnostics device, the        navigation enabling data being indicative of a spatial        disposition of the remote diagnostics device with respect to the        patient's body;    -   display the received navigation enabling data on the display;    -   receive an indication of a desired spatial disposition of the        remote diagnostics device with respect to the patient's body,        from which medical data of the patient is to be acquired in        accordance with the at least one medical examination, the        indication being provided by trained personnel operating the        workstation; and    -   send the received indication to the remote diagnostics device,        thus enabling navigation thereof to the desired spatial        disposition with respect to the patient's body.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is further provided a workstation wherein the processor isfurther configured to operate at least one diagnostics sensor of theremote diagnostics device in order to acquire the medical data uponarrival to the desired spatial disposition.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a workstation wherein thenavigation enabling data is body or body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a workstation wherein the bodyorgan images are internal body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a workstation wherein thenavigation enabling data is Inertial Navigation System (INS) datareceived from the at least one navigation sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is still further provided a workstation wherein theprocessor is further configured to display reference data indicative ofthe desired spatial disposition of the remote diagnostics device withrespect to the patient's body for performing the medical examination.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is further provided a workstation wherein the referencedata is acquired during a calibration process performed by trainedpersonnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is further provided a workstation wherein the processor isfurther configured to perform the following steps during the calibrationprocess:

-   -   receive an indication of a medical examination to be performed;    -   provide the trained personnel with guidance for performing the        calibration; and    -   record the reference data indicative of the desired spatial        disposition of the remote diagnostics device with respect to the        patient's body upon arrival to the desired diagnostics device        spatial disposition.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is further provided a workstation further comprising aguiding device configured to receive the indication from the trainedpersonnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein the at leastone navigation sensor is a camera.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is further provided a workstation wherein the at least onenavigation sensor is an INS. In accordance with one example of thepresently disclosed subject matter, there is further provided aworkstation wherein the processor is further configured to receivemedical data acquired by the remote diagnostics device and display it onthe display.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein the one ormore medical examinations of the patient are defined by a pre-definedcheck plan associated with the patient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein theprocessor is further configured to: receive one or more questionsrelating to the patient; provide the one or more questions to the remotediagnostics device for presenting them to the patient; and receiveanswers to the one or more questions.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein the one ormore questions are defined by the pre-defined check plan.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein the one ormore questions are received from the trained personnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein thediagnostics sensor is an image based diagnostics sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein thediagnostics sensor is a sound based diagnostics sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein theprocessor is further configured to enable the trained personnel toverify that the acquired data meets pre-defined standards.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a workstation wherein thepre-defined standards are at least one of:

-   -   (a) a required length of reading;    -   (b) a minimal recorded sound volume;    -   (c) a minimal recorded sound quality;    -   (d) a minimal pressure against the patient's body;    -   (e) a maximal pressure against the patient's body;    -   (f) a maximal allowed movement of the remote diagnostics device        during acquisition of readings;    -   (g) a type of image reading;    -   (h) a required image reading zoom;    -   (i) a required image reading light;    -   (j) a required image reading matching to predefined reference;        and    -   (k) a minimal image quality.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is yet further provided a method for performing one or more remotemedical examinations of a patient using a workstation operablyconnectable to a remote diagnostics device, and wherein for at least oneremote medical examination of the remote medical examinations, themethod comprising:

-   -   receiving navigation enabling data acquired by at least one        navigation sensor of the remote diagnostics device, the        navigation enabling data being indicative of a spatial        disposition of the diagnostics device with respect to the        patient's body;    -   displaying the received navigation enabling data;    -   receiving an indication of a desired spatial disposition of the        remote diagnostics device with respect to the patient's body,        from which medical data of the patient is to be acquired in        accordance with the at least one medical examination, the        indication being provided by trained personnel operating the        workstation; and    -   sending the received indication to the remote diagnostics        device, thus enabling navigation thereof to the desired spatial        disposition with respect to the patient's body.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprisingacquiring the medical data upon arrival to the desired spatialdisposition.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the navigationenabling data is body or body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the body organimages are internal body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the navigationenabling data is Inertial Navigation System (INS) data received from theat least one navigation sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprisingdisplaying reference data indicative of the desired spatial dispositionof the remote diagnostics device with respect to the patient's body forperforming the medical examination.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the referencedata is acquired during a calibration process performed by trainedpersonnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the calibrationprocess comprises:

-   -   receiving an indication of a medical examination to be        performed;    -   providing the trained personnel with guidance for performing the        calibration; and    -   recording the reference data indicative of the desired spatial        disposition of the remote diagnostics device with respect to the        patient's body upon arrival to the desired diagnostics device        spatial disposition.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprisingreceiving the acquired medical data from the remote diagnostics deviceand displaying it to the trained personnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the one or moremedical examinations of the patient are defined by a pre-defined checkplan associated with the patient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprising:

-   -   receiving one or more questions relating to the patient;    -   providing the one or more questions to the diagnostics device        for presenting them to the patient; and    -   receiving answers to the one or more questions.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the one or morequestions are defined by the pre-defined check plan.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the one or morequestions are received from the trained personnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprisingenabling the trained personnel to verify that the acquired data meetspre-defined standards.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the pre-definedstandards are at least one of:

-   -   (a) a required length of reading;    -   (b) a minimal recorded sound volume;    -   (c) a minimal recorded sound quality;    -   (d) a minimal pressure against the patient's body;    -   (e) a maximal pressure against the patient's body;    -   (f) a maximal allowed movement of the remote diagnostics device        during acquisition of readings;    -   (g) a type of image reading;    -   (h) a required image reading zoom;    -   (i) a required image reading light;    -   (j) a required image reading matching to predefined reference;        and    -   (k) a minimal image quality.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics device configuredto perform one or more remote medical examinations of a patient, whereinthe handheld diagnostics device is operably connectable to a remoteworkstation and wherein the handheld diagnostics device comprising atleast one navigation sensor, at least one diagnostics sensor and aprocessor, the processor configured to perform the following for the atleast one remote medical examination of said remote medicalexaminations:

-   -   acquire navigation enabling data utilizing the at least one        navigation sensor, the navigation enabling data being indicative        of a spatial disposition of the diagnostics device with respect        to the patient's body;    -   send the acquired navigation enabling data to the remote        workstation;    -   receive an indication of a desired spatial disposition with        respect to the patient's body, from which medical data of the        patient is to be acquired in accordance with the at least one        remote medical examination;    -   determine a spatial disposition of the diagnostics device with        respect to the desired spatial disposition, utilizing the        acquired navigation enabling data and the reference data;    -   calculate a required movement correction from the determined        spatial disposition to the desired spatial disposition, for        acquiring medical data of the patient in accordance with the at        least one medical examination; and    -   provide a user with maneuvering instructions to navigate the        diagnostics device to the desired spatial disposition in        accordance with the calculated route.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the processor is further configured to operate at least onediagnostics sensor of the diagnostics device in order to acquire themedical data upon arrival to the desired spatial disposition.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the operate is performed in response to a command received fromthe remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the navigation enabling data is body or body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the body organ images are internal body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the navigation enabling data is Inertial Navigation System (INS)data received from the at least one navigation sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the processor is further configured to:

-   -   receive a command to acquire reference data indicative of the        desired spatial disposition of the diagnostics device with        respect to the patient's body for performing the medical        examination;    -   acquire the reference data utilizing the at least one        diagnostics sensor; and    -   transmit the reference data to the remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the command is received from the remote workstation during acalibration process performed by trained personnel.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the at least one navigation sensor is a camera.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the at least one navigation sensor is an INS.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the one or more medical examinations of the patient are definedby a pre-defined check plan associated with the patient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the processor is further configured to:

-   -   provide the user with one or more questions relating to the        patient;    -   receive answers to the one or more questions; and    -   transmit the answers to the remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the one or more questions are defined by the pre-defined checkplan.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the one or more questions are received from trained personneloperating the workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the diagnostics sensor is an image based diagnostics sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a handheld diagnostics devicewherein the diagnostics sensor is a sound based diagnostics sensor.

In accordance with an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is yet further provided a method for operating a handhelddiagnostics device for performing one or more remote medicalexaminations of a patient, wherein the handheld diagnostics device isoperably connectable to a remote workstation and wherein for the atleast one remote medical examination of the remote medical examinationsthe method comprising:

-   -   acquiring navigation enabling data utilizing at least one        navigation sensor of the handheld diagnostics device, the        navigation enabling data being indicative of a spatial        disposition of the diagnostics device with respect to the        patient's body;    -   sending the acquired navigation enabling data to the remote        workstation;    -   receiving an indication of a desired spatial disposition with        respect to the patient's body, from which medical data of the        patient is to be acquired in accordance with the at least one        remote medical examination;    -   determining a spatial disposition of the diagnostics device with        respect to the desired spatial disposition, utilizing the        acquired navigation enabling data and the reference data;    -   calculating a required movement correction from the determined        spatial disposition to the desired spatial disposition, for        acquiring medical data of the patient in accordance with the at        least one medical examination; and    -   providing a user with maneuvering instructions to navigate the        diagnostics device to the desired spatial disposition in        accordance with the calculated route.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprisingoperating at least one diagnostics sensor of the diagnostics device inorder to acquire the medical data upon arrival to the desired spatialdisposition.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the operating isperformed in response to receiving a command from the remoteworkstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the navigationenabling data is a body or body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the body organimages are internal body organ images.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the navigationenabling data is Inertial Navigation System (INS) data received from theat least one navigation sensor.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprising:

-   -   receiving a command to acquire reference data indicative of the        desired spatial disposition of the diagnostics device with        respect to the patient's body for performing the medical        examination;    -   acquiring the reference data; and    -   transmitting the reference data to the remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprising:

-   -   receiving a command to acquire a reference image indicative of        the desired spatial disposition of the diagnostics device with        respect to the patient's body for performing the medical        examination;    -   acquiring the reference image; and    -   transmitting the reference image to the remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the command isreceived from the remote workstation during a calibration processperformed by trained personnel operating the workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the one or moremedical examinations of the patient are defined by a pre-defined checkplan associated with the patient.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method further comprising:

-   -   providing the user with one or more questions relating to the        patient;    -   receiving answers to the one or more questions; and    -   transmitting the answers to the remote workstation.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the one or morequestions are defined by the pre-defined check plan.

In accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is yet further provided a method wherein the one or morequestions are received from trained personnel operating the workstation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to seehow it may be carried out in practice, the subject matter will now bedescribed, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of asystem for performing an automatic and self-guided medical examination,in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of adiagnostic device configured to perform an automatic and self-guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example ofdiagnostic sensors configured to acquire medical data, in accordancewith the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of anavigation module configured to calculate the spatial disposition of thediagnostic device with respect to patient's body (or a specific partthereof), in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of aguiding module configured to guide the diagnostic device user, inaccordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for performing an automatic and self-guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for performing personalized calibration of adiagnostic device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 8a is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for recording reference data during personalizedcalibration of a diagnostic device, using imaging and orientationsensors, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 8b is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for recording reference data during personalizedcalibration of a diagnostic device, using INS sensors and body points,in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8c is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for recording reference data during personalizedcalibration of a diagnostic device, using reference points and pointingobject, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of exemplary image based referencepatterns, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of exemplary image based and INSbased reference points, in accordance with the presently disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for calculating the spatial disposition of adiagnostic device with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof), in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12a is a flowchart illustrating another example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12b is a schematic illustration of an exemplary pointing objectused for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding a diagnostic deviceuser accordingly, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of exemplary presentation ofnavigational instructions to a diagnostic device user, in accordancewith the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for acquisition and verification of a reading bya diagnostic device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of asystem for performing an automatic and remote trained personnel guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of some exemplary guiding devicesthat can be used for providing navigation instructions to a user of adiagnostic device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for performing an automatic and remote trainedpersonnel guided medical examination, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly in a remote trained personnel guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary navigation andguiding presentation to trained personnel, in accordance with thepresently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for acquisition and verification of a reading bya diagnostic device in a remote trained personnel guided medicalexamination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings and descriptions set forth, identical reference numeralsindicate those components that are common to different embodiments orconfigurations.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specificationdiscussions utilizing terms such as “receiving”, “utilizing”,“transmitting”, “determining”, “sending”, “recording”, “displaying”,“calculating”, “providing”, “acquiring”, “verifying” or the like,include action and/or processes of a computer that manipulate and/ortransform data into other data, said data represented as physicalquantities, e.g. such as electronic quantities, and/or said datarepresenting the physical objects. The term “computer” should beexpansively construed to cover any kind of electronic device with dataprocessing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example, apersonal computer, a server, a computing system, a communication device,a processor (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, afield programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), etc.), any other electronic computing device, and or anycombination thereof.

The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performedby a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by ageneral purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose bya computer program stored in a computer readable storage medium.

As used herein, the phrase “for example,” “such as”, “for instance” andvariants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to “one case”,“some cases”, “other cases” or variants thereof means that a particularfeature, structure or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Thus the appearance of the phrase “one case”,“some cases”, “other cases” or variants thereof does not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment(s).

It is appreciated that certain features of the presently disclosedsubject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosedsubject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitablesub-combination.

In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter one or morestages illustrated in the figures may be executed in a different orderand/or one or more groups of stages may be executed simultaneously andvice versa. The figures illustrate a general schematic of the systemarchitecture in accordance with some examples of the presently disclosedsubject matter. Each module in the figures can be made up of anycombination of software, hardware and/or firmware that performs thefunctions as defined and explained herein. The modules in the figuresmay be centralized in one location or dispersed over more than onelocation.

Bearing this in mind, attention is drawn to FIG. 1, a block diagramschematically illustrating one example of a system for performing anautomatic and self-guided medical examination, in accordance with thepresently disclosed subject matter. It can be appreciated that user 102and patient 103 are located at patient location 100. User 102 can insome cases be patient 103 whose medical examination is required (in suchcases, even though user 102 and patient 103 are shown as separateentities in the drawings, they are in fact the same entity). In othercases, user 102 can be a person that will be performing the medicalexamination of patient 103.

For the purpose of performing a medical examination, user 102 operates adiagnostic device 104, as further detailed below. In some cases, user102 also operates a patient workstation 114, as further detailed below.Patient workstation 114 can be any computer, including a personalcomputer, a portable computer, a cellular handset or an apparatus withappropriate processing capabilities, including a computer and/or anapparatus which can be, for example, specifically configured for thatpurpose. It is to be noted that in some cases, patient workstation 114can be incorporated within diagnostics device 104. Diagnostics device104 comprises (or is otherwise associated with) at least one processor106 (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), etc.) and a memory unit 110 (e.g. ROM, hard disk, etc.).Processor 106 is configured to receive instructions and control thecomponents and operations of diagnostics device 104.

In some cases diagnostics device 104 can be configured to communicatewith patient workstation 114. The communication between diagnosticsdevice 104 and patient workstation 114 can be realized by anycommunication means, e.g. via wired or wireless communication. It can benoted that user 102, patient 103, diagnostics device 104 and patientworkstation 114 are located at patient location 100.

Diagnostics device 104 can be configured to acquire various data asfurther detailed below. The acquired data can be transmitted (directlyfrom diagnostics device 104 or through patient workstation 114) totrained personnel workstation 122 located at trained personnel location120 and/or to central system 130. Central system 130 and trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be any computer, including a personalcomputer, a portable computer, a cellular handset or an apparatus withappropriate processing capabilities, including a computer and/or anapparatus which can be, for example, specifically configured for thatpurpose. The acquired data can be transmitted for example via Internet116. It is to be noted that the data can be transmitted while utilizingother known communication alternatives, such as a cellular network, VPN,LAN, etc.

Central system 130 comprises patient & check plan repository 136 inwhich various data relating to the patient is maintained. Such data caninclude, for example, patient identification number, patient name,patient age, patient contact details, patient medical data (such asdiseases, sensitivities to medicines, etc.), check plans data (asfurther detailed below), etc. Central system 130 can further comprise amedical examination repository 134 in which data acquired by diagnosticsdevice 104 and patient workstation 114 is maintained. Such data caninclude, for example, results of medical examinations performed usingdiagnostics device (such as ear readings, lungs or heart recorded sound,blood pressure, body temperature, etc. as further detailed below).Central system 130 further comprises management system 132 configured toforward received data to a selected trained personnel workstation 122(for example an available trained personnel workstation 122 or trainedpersonnel workstation 122 with the shortest queue). It is to be notedthat when providing a central system, there may be more than one trainedpersonnel location 120 and trained personnel 124 as central system 130allows for a distributed approach in which data can be received by thecentral system 130 from multiple patient locations and transferred by itto multiple trained personnel locations. Thus, in case the transmitteddata is received at central system 130, the data is saved in medicalexamination repository 134 and management system 132 can transmit thereceived data to trained personnel location 120 (e.g. via Internet 116.It is to be noted that the data can be transmitted while utilizing otherknown alternatives, such as a cellular network, VPN, LAN, etc.). In somecases, management system 132 can also manage other processes such as,subscribing patients, planning scheduling of patients to availabletrained personnel, etc.

It is to be noted that central system 130 is optional to the solutionand that central system 130 can be part of the trained personnel system120, In addition the communication between the patient location 100 tothe trained personnel location 120 can be implemented directly withoutthe use of or need for a central system 130.

When the transmitted data is received at trained personnel workstation122, the data can be saved in trained personnel data repository 123 thatcan be connected to trained personnel workstation 122. A trainedpersonnel 124 (e.g. a doctor, a nurse, a medic, etc., including anyother person with the know-how and skill to acquire and/or analyzemedical data), located at trained personnel location 120, can retrieveand review the acquired data, for example using trained personnelworkstation 122. It is to be noted that patient workstation 114, trainedpersonnel workstation 122 and central system 130 can include a display(e.g. LCD screen), and a keyboard or any other suitable input/outputdevices. In some cases, trained personnel 124 can provide feedback touser 102, for example by transmitting data back to patient workstation114. Such feedback can include, for example, analysis of the receiveddata, request to receive more data, medical treatment instructions,invitation to further examination, etc. Alternatively or additionally,trained personnel 124 can transmit feedback data to central system 130,which, in turn, can transmit the feedback data to patient workstation114 (e.g. via the Internet, cellular network, etc.).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of adiagnostic device configured to perform an automatic and self-guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. Diagnostics device 104 can comprise inter alia, diagnosticsensors module 202, guiding module 206, examination logic module 208,check plan repository 210 and data repository 216. Diagnostics devicecan further comprise navigation module 204, reading and verificationlogic module 212 and calibration logic module 214.

Examination logic module 208 can be responsible for operatingdiagnostics device 104 for performing a medical examination of patient103. Diagnostics device 104 can be activated for example by User 102.Upon activation, user 102 can optionally indicate the patient to bechecked. Such indication can be in the form of inputting patient 103identification details (e.g. patient id, patient name, etc.), forexample in patient workstation 114. In other cases such indication canbe in the form of selecting a specific patient 103, for example from alist of known patients. Such list of known patients can be displayed onpatient workstation 114. In some cases, such list of known patients canbe displayed on a display connected to diagnostics device 104. Detailsof known patients to be presented on such list of known patients can beretrieved, for example, from one or more of: data repository 216, checkplan repository 210, trained personnel data repository 123, patient &check plan repository 136 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored. In further casesdiagnostic device 104 can automatically identify patient 103 by usingmethods of body identification such as face recognition, fingerprintreading or any other mean of biometric identification. Such automaticidentification can utilize, for example, navigation camera 420 or anyother peripheral, reader or sensor connected to diagnostic device 104 orto patient workstation 114 that enable acquiring data relevant to theautomatic identification. It is to be noted that other methods ofindicating or identifying a patient to be checked can be utilized aswell.

In some cases, after receiving patient 103 details, examination logicmodule 208 can be configured to retrieve data relating to a check plan.Such check plan data can be stored on one or more of: check planrepository 210, patient & check plan repository 136, trained personneldata repository 123 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient specific check plan data can bestored. A check plan can define a series of medical examinations anddata to be acquired by diagnostics device 104. Such medical dataacquisition can be performed by user 102 on patient 103. The medicaldata can include, for example, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse,respiratory rate, throat image, mole image, ear image, etc. The checkplan can in some cases be a generic check plan (e.g. a series of medicalexaminations that can be standard pre-determined medical examinations).In other cases the check plan can be defined according to a certainmedical condition of patient 103 (e.g. a check plan for patients withcancer can comprise a series of cancer specific required medicalexaminations, a check plan for patients with high blood pressure cancomprise a series of high blood pressure specific required medicalexaminations, etc.). In further cases, the check plan can bespecifically defined for patient 103, for example according to a trainedpersonnel 124 decision (e.g. a physician interested in monitoringspecific medical data of a specific patient can decide upon a patientspecific check plan). The check plan can include information, inter aliaabout the examination process, steps and logic, and predefined readingparameters such as type of sensor to be used (still image vs. video),required length of reading (sound or video recording) in terms of time(e.g. seconds), and reading data thresholds (for example definition ofacceptable minimal and/or maximal reading limits to be used as a qualityparameter of a reading.

Upon retrieval of the check plan to be performed, examination logicmodule 208 can be configured to utilize navigation module 204 in orderto enable determination of current diagnostics device spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof).

It is to be noted that the term spatial disposition or the like canrelate to spatial distances, spatial angles (including orientations), orany other spatial reference that is used for characterizing a spatialrelationship between two objects, e.g. between diagnostics device 104and patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof).

Navigation module 204 can be responsible for the operation of varioussensors utilized for that purpose, as further detailed below withreference to FIG. 4. Navigation module 204 can utilize pre-storedreference data for establishing data about diagnostics device 104current and desired spatial dispositions with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof). The pre-stored reference data canconsist of image based reference data and/or diagnostics device 104spatial disposition based reference data, or any other relevantreference data, including data that can be read by diagnostics device104 navigation module 204 or diagnostic sensors 202, as further detailedbelow, inter alia with respect to FIGS. 6, 9 and 10-13. The referencedata can be for example images of patient 103 (external patient imagesand/or internal patient images of internal body parts), general organimages, device coordinates, data of relativity between spatialdispositions with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof), etc. Such pre-stored reference data can be stored on patient &check plan repository 136, trained personnel data repository 123 or anyother location operatively connected to diagnostics device 104 on whichimage based reference data is stored. Upon establishment of diagnosticsdevice 104 current spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof), navigation module can calculate aroute to a desired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), that can bedefined, for example, by the patient specific check plan. The routecalculation can be performed continuously or periodically (e.g. everypre-determined time interval), for example until arrival to the desireddiagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof), as further detailed below, inter aliawith reference to FIGS. 6 and 11-13.

In some cases, examination logic module 208 can be configured to utilizeguiding module 206 in order to provide various guidance data instructinguser 102 how to maneuver diagnostics device 104 to the desireddiagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof). Such guidance data can include, interalia, voice commands, image display, diagnostics device 104 vibrations,etc., as further detailed below, inter alia with reference to FIGS. 5, 6and 11-13. Such guidance data can be presented to user 102 continuouslyor periodically (e.g. every pre-determined time interval), untildiagnostics device 104 arrives at the desired spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) from whichthe medical examination can be performed. Such guidance data can becalculated according to the respective calculation of a route to thedesired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), as calculated bynavigation module 204.

Upon arrival to the desired diagnostics device 104 spatial dispositionwith respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), forexample as indicated by the patient specific check plan, examinationlogic module 208 can be configured to utilize reading and verificationlogic module 212 in order to acquire medical data of patient 103. Uponarrival to desired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), reading andverification module 212 can be configured to verify that diagnosticsdevice 104 is located at the desired spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) when acquiring medicaldata of patient 103, as further detailed below, inter alia withreference to FIG. 14. Reading and verification module 212 can be furtherconfigured to instruct diagnostics sensor module 202 to prepare toacquire medical data of patient 103, and to perform acquisition of suchmedical data, as further detailed below, inter alia with reference toFIG. 14. After acquisition of medical data of patient, reading andverification module 212 can be configured to verify that the acquireddata meets pre-defined standards (e.g. a required length of reading,reading data thresholds, etc.), as further detailed below, inter aliawith reference to FIG. 14. In case the acquired data does not meet thepre-defined standards, diagnostics device 104 can in some cases beconfigured to instruct user 102 to perform the required repositioningand reorienting thereof in order to bring diagnostics device 104 to thedesired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof). Following repositioning and reorienting ofdiagnostics device 104, reading and verification logic module 212 can beconfigured to retry acquiring the medical data of patient 103, asfurther detailed below, inter alia with reference to FIG. 14.

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to utilize diagnosticssensor module 202 that can be configured to acquire medical data ofpatient 103. Diagnostics sensor module 202 can be responsible for theoperation of various sensors used for acquiring various medical data ofpatient 103. Such medical data of patient 103 can be used for examplefor diagnostics by trained personnel 124. Diagnostics sensor module 202is further discussed below, inter alia with reference to FIG. 3.

In some cases, diagnostics device 104 can further comprise a calibrationlogic module 214. Calibration logic module 214 can be configured, interalia, to acquire reference data relating to medical examinations ofpatient 103, as further detailed below, for example with reference toFIG. 7. In some cases, the reference data is acquired by diagnosticsdevice 104 during an initial calibration performed by trained personnel124. For example, a physician can perform a medical examination ofpatient 103 and diagnostics device 104 can, for example, record themedical examination performed by trained personnel 124, including theacquired medical data, as further detailed below, for example withreference to FIG. 7. The recorded data, including the acquired medicaldata, can be stored, for example, on one or more of: check planrepository 210, patient & check plan repository 136, trained personneldata repository 123 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which data relating to patient 103 can bestored.

It is to be noted that diagnostics device 104 can further comprise datarepository 216. Data repository 216 can be configured to store variousdata, including, inter alia, data relating to one or more patients andvarious medical data thereof (e.g. data acquired during a medicalexamination of the patients), as further detailed below.

In some cases, diagnostics device can further comprise check planrepository 210. Check plan repository 210 can be configured to storevarious data, including, inter alia, data relating to patient specificcheck plans, as further detailed below.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example ofdiagnostic sensors configured to acquire medical data, in accordancewith the presently disclosed subject matter. Diagnostics sensors module202 can include, inter alia, image based sensors 310, sound basedsensors 320, as well as other sensors not shown in the drawing.Diagnostic sensors 202 can be designed for taking a specific organreading (such as ear image reading (e.g. Otoscope)) and general organreadings (such as external skin reading, eye reading, etc.). Diagnosticsensors 202 can be modular e.g. some sensors can be attached/detached todiagnostic device 104, in accordance with the required medicalexamination.

Image based sensors 310 can include one or more light sources 318. Lightsources 318 can be Light Emitting Diodes, or any other light sourceknown in the art. Light sources 318 can be utilized for example to lightthe areas of which an image is to be acquired in order to provide forsufficient image quality (e.g. a quality that will enable image analysisby trained personnel 124).

Image based sensors 310 can further include image examinationperipherals 312. Image examination peripherals 312 can include, interalia, various components that enable safe access to various body parts,such as a human ear, throat, etc. Such components can be, for example,made of plastic and can be attached to diagnostics device 104. Suchcomponents can, for example, have a generic physical structure that fitsvarious body parts regardless of the fact that different people, atdifferent ages, have different body parts structure (e.g. a child has asmaller ear than a grown person and the image examination peripherals312 can be designed to fit substantially any ear structure, etc.). Imageexamination peripherals 312 can aid user 102 in positioning thediagnostics device 104 in the desired spatial disposition with respectto patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) so that acquisitionof image based medical data can be performed.

Image based sensors 310 can further include image acquisition sensor316. Image acquisition sensor 316 can be, inter alia, a camera (e.g. astill camera, a video camera, etc.), or any other device capable ofacquiring an image. Image acquisition sensor 316 can be based onstandard sensors such as CMOS or CCD or any other applicable sensorknown in the art. Image acquisition sensor 316 can be designed to fitimage acquisition of multiple body parts or organs, regardless of sizeor distance (e.g. it can have the required resolution and/or size and/orlight sensitivity to fit multiple body parts or organ readings). It isto be noted that image acquisition sensor 316 can be the same sensor asthe navigation image acquisition sensor and vice versa.

Image based sensors 310 can further include examination optics 314.Examination optics 314 can be, for example, camera lenses. Examinationoptics 314 can be designed to fit various wavelengths, field depth, wideor narrow lens angle, etc. and therefore can fit various types of imagereadings as well as various types of organ sizes and structures.Examination optics 314 enable image acquisition sensor 316 to acquireimage based medical data, having the required properties (e.g.examination optics 314 should enable acquisition of an image that coversthe entire area that is required for analysis by trained personnel 124,etc.). In some cases, data acquired from examination optics 314 andimage acquisition sensor 316 can be later analyzed and/or transformedand/or aligned to fit the specific required organ area reading (e.g. inorder to fit a quality analysis by trained personnel 124, the specificrequired image area can be cut of the entire image or can be alignedusing image analysis and or image transformation or manipulationtechniques and/or algorithms known in the art).

Sound based sensors 320 can include one or more sound acquisitionsensors 324. Sound acquisition sensors 324 can be, for example, amicrophone, or any other device capable of acquiring sound data. Soundacquisition sensors 324 can fit multiple sound frequencies that can beadjusted to fit recording of specific organ sound (as, for example,heart sound frequencies are different than lung sound frequencies).Sound acquisition sensors 324, can also include various abilities toassist acquiring a quality sound such as noise cancellation filters,etc.

Sound based sensors 320 can further include sound examinationperipherals 322. Sound examination peripherals 322 can include, interalia, various components that enable easy fit, comfortable adjustmentand safe access to various body parts, such as a human chest, stomach,lung, etc. Such components can be, for example, made of plastic, rubber,etc. and can be attached to diagnostics device 104. Such components can,for example, have a generic physical structure that fits various bodyparts regardless of the fact that different people, at different ages,have different body parts structure (e.g. a child has a smaller chestthan a grown person and the sound examination peripherals 322 can bedesigned to fit substantially any chest structure, etc.). Soundexamination peripherals 322 can aid user 102 in positioning diagnosticsdevice 104 in the desired spatial disposition with respect to patient103 body (or a specific part thereof) in a way that will enableacquisition of sound based medical data (e.g. allow minimizing anyexternal noise that can interfere with the sound acquisition).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of anavigation module configured to calculate the spatial disposition of thediagnostic device with respect to patient's body (or a specific partthereof), in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.Navigation module 204 can comprise navigation logic module 400.Navigation logic module 400 can be configured to determine currentdiagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body, and to calculate a route to a desired diagnostics device 104spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof), as further detailed below, inter alia with respect toFIGS. 6, 9 and 10-13. For that purpose, navigation logic module 400 canbe configured to utilize navigation sensors such as Inertial NavigationSystem (INS) sensors 410 (for example IMUs—Inertial Measurement Units)and/or navigation camera 420, etc. such navigation sensors can beconfigured to acquire navigation enabling data. INS sensors 410 caninclude movement sensors 412 (such as accelerometers sensors, etc.)capable of acquiring navigation enabling data relating to the movementof diagnostics device 104 and orientation sensors 414 (such as gyroscopesensors, etc.) capable of acquiring data relating to the orientation ofdiagnostics device 104. Navigation logic module 400 can use the raw INSsensors data to calculate the exact movement and orientation of thedevice with respect to patient's 103 body and also include the requiredlogic to eliminate sensors calibration errors using techniques andalgorithms known the art. Thus, in some cases, navigation can be basedon INS data alone. It is to be noted that navigation based on INS dataalone requires substantially no movement of patient 103 during themedical examination, as such movement may result in deviations that willprevent accurate acquisition of medical data.

Navigation module 204 can further comprise navigation camera 420.Navigation camera 420 can comprise a navigation image acquisition sensor422 configured to acquire an image of patient 103 body and can furthercomprise optics 424. Optics 424 can be, for example, camera lenses.Optics 424 can have various wavelengths, field depth, wide or narrowlens angle, etc. Optics 424 enable navigation camera 420 to acquirenavigation enabling image data, having the required properties forenabling navigation of diagnostics device 104. Navigation camera 420 canbe used to acquire relevant body and/or organ images that navigationlogic module 400 can utilize in order to identify current spatialdisposition of diagnostics device 104 with respect to patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof). This calculation can be done, for example,by comparing an image acquired (e.g. in real time or near real time)from the navigation camera 420 to a set of reference images that can bestored, for example, on check plan repository 210. When a specific imageelement is found in one of the reference images (as further described,inter alia with respect to FIG. 9), navigation logic module 400 can beconfigured to perform image matching (for example by utilizing knowntechniques) to analyze diagnostics device 104 relative positiontherefrom, and use that match to define the current diagnostics device104 spatial disposition as a temporary “origin point” to be used as asynchronization point for calculating the required route to the desireddiagnostic device 104 spatial disposition, as further detailed below,for example with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. It is to be noted that insome cases navigation can be based on navigation enabling image dataalone, as diagnostics device 104 can be configured to continuously orperiodically (e.g. every pre-determined time interval) compare the imageacquired by navigation camera 420 to reference images (e.g. referenceimages saved for example on check plan repository 210) and once a matchis found diagnostics device 104 can be configured to calculate thecurrent device spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof), by comparing the image acquired bynavigation camera 420 with the saved reference image. This calculationcan be done for example, by using image and image pattern comparison andtransformation techniques as known in the art. Based on the calculationof the diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to thepatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), diagnostics device 104can be configured to calculate the required route to the desireddiagnostic device 104 spatial disposition with respect to the patient's103 body (or a specific part thereof), as further detailed below, forexample with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Once diagnostics device 104identifies that it has reached the desired spatial disposition withrespect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), it canalert the user not to move until the required image is acquired.

Navigation module 204 can further comprise one or more navigation lightsources 426. Navigation light sources 426 can be Light Emitting Diodes,or any other light source known in the art.

Navigation module 204 can further comprise distance sensors 430.Distance sensors 430 can be for example a laser distance sensor, asknown in the art, or any other sensor that can determine distance ofdiagnostics device 104 from an object (e.g. patient 103 body, or aspecific part thereof). Navigation logic module 400 can utilize datareceived from distance sensors 430 in order to calculate the spatialdisposition of diagnostics device with respect to patient's 103 body (ora specific part thereof).

Navigation module 204 can further comprise pressure sensors 440.Pressure sensors 430 can be a known in the art pressure sensor that candetermine the amount of pressure exerted on diagnostics device 104 as itis pressed against an object (e.g. patient 103 body or a specific partthereof). Navigation logic module 400 can utilize data received frompressure sensors 440 in order to calculate the spatial disposition ofdiagnostics device with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof).

It is to be noted that any data acquired by the various components ofnavigation module 204 can be considered as navigation enabling data.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of aguiding module configured to guide the diagnostic device user, inaccordance with the presently disclosed subject matter. Guiding module206 can comprise guiding logic module 500. As indicated above, guidinglogic module 500 can be configured to provide various guidance datainstructing user 102 how to maneuver diagnostics devise 104 to thedesired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). Such guidance data caninclude, inter alia, voice commands, image display, diagnostics device104 vibrations, etc. Such guidance data can be presented to user 102continuously or periodically, until diagnostics device 104 arrives atdesired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). Such guidance data canbe calculated according to the respective calculation of a route to thedesired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), as calculated bynavigation module 204.

For that purpose, guiding module 206 can comprise one or more outputsources, such as, for example, display 502, speaker 510, vibrationelements 508, guiding light sources 506, keypad 504, etc. Display 502can be configured to present visual data providing user 102 withinformation on how to maneuver diagnostics devise 104 to the desireddiagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof). Such information can, in some cases,include a visual representation of diagnostics device 104 currentspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) and on the desired diagnostics device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof).

Reverting to FIG. 13, there is shown a schematic illustration ofexemplary presentation of navigational instructions to a diagnosticdevice user, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.It can be noted that object 950A, 950B, 950C representing diagnosticsdevice 104 current spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof) can be presented on display 502, alongwith a target mark 952 representing the desired diagnostics device 104spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof). A three dimensional smiley object 950A, 950B, 950Crepresentation on display 502 continuously or periodically updatesreflecting changes to diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). It can benoted that initially object 950A is positioned relatively far fromtarget mark 952 (it can be appreciated that it is located above and tothe right of target mark 952). In addition, diagnostics device is notoriented as required (it can be appreciated that it is not facingdirectly forward). User 102 repositions and reorients diagnostics device104 according to the feedback presented on display 502. Repositioningcan be made by moving diagnostics device 104 forward/backward, up/down,left/right. Reorienting can be made by roll, pitch, yaw movements ofdiagnostics device 104. Such repositioning and reorientation ofdiagnostics device 104 is reflected on display 502, for examplecontinuously or periodically. It can be appreciated that afterrepositioning and reorienting of object 950A, diagnostics device 104 iscoming closer to the desired spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) at object 950B, which,as can be appreciated, is closer to target mark 952. After furtherrepositioning and reorienting of object 950B, diagnostics device 104 iscoming still closer to the desired spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) at object 950C, which,as can be appreciated, is even closer to target mark 952 than object950B. Finally, after further repositioning and reorienting of object950C, diagnostics device 104 is at target mark 952—the desired spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof). It can be noted that object 950 can comprise of visualrepresentation and hints about the navigation process, suchrepresentations can include for example color changes (such as red forwrong and green for good), and/or emoticons illustrating the proximityof diagnostics device 104 to desired spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) (for example, object 950initially has a sad smiley and as it nears target mark 952 the sadsmiley becomes a happy smiley).

Returning to FIG. 5, speaker 510 can provide voice instructions to user102 indicating the required movements user 102 should perform in orderto bring diagnostics device to desired spatial disposition with respectto patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). In addition speaker510 can provide sound feedbacks about proximity of diagnostics device104 to desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof) (for example a sound feedback might be aseries of short beeps and changes to their rate according to theproximity of diagnostics device 104 to desired spatial disposition).

Vibration elements 508 can provide vibrating feedback, for example inorder to indicate user 102 that a movement that he is making is notcorrect (e.g. if diagnostics device 104 should be moved to the right anduser 102 moves it to the left, a vibration can be initiated). Vibrationcan also be provided indicating that diagnostics device reached desiredspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof). In some cases such vibration will be a differentvibration than a vibration indicating wrong movement.

Guiding light source 506 can provide light feedback to user 102 aboutrequired diagnostics device 104 movement and/or proximity of diagnosticsdevice 104 to desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof). For example a combination of LEDelements (such as a matrix of LED elements located on diagnostic device104) can provide user 102 with a light feedback about the requiredmovement direction (e.g. right, left, up, down, etc.). In such case,guiding light source 506 can be configured to utilize movement sensors612 and orientation sensors 614 in order to calculate and use thecorrect light source (e.g. specific LED, etc.) which is relevant to thecurrent movement based on current diagnostic device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) (e.g. the same LED can sometimes point up and sometimes downaccording to the device orientation). In addition, the LED elements canalso provide a proximity feedback using specific rate of lights going onand off.

Key pad 504—In some cases the guiding process, using guiding logicmodule 500 can also require a feedback from user 102, for example aconfirmation about ending a specific medical examination, etc. For thatpurpose, guiding module 206 can comprise one or more input sources, suchas, for example, keypad 504.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for performing an automatic and self-guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. Initially, a check is performed if the initiated check is thefirst check of patient 103 with a diagnostics device 104. In case theanswer is yes, personalized organ/body calibration is performed (step600), as further detailed with respect to FIG. 7. In case the answer isno, or following performance of personalized organ/body calibration 600,a medical examination is initiated (step 602). During initiation,diagnostics device 104 (for example by utilizing examination logicmodule 208) can receive an indication of patient 103 to be checked. Suchindication can be received, for example, as input from user 102 or byutilizing an automatic patient identification method, as detailed withrespect to FIG. 2. Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured toretrieve various data relating to patient 103. Such data can beretrieved from one or more of: data repository 216, check planrepository 210, trained personnel data repository 123, patient & checkplan repository 136 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored. Such data caninclude, inter alia, data relating to a patient specific check plan,reading references, communication parameters, etc.

Diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing examination logicmodule 208, can be further configured to display a questionnaire (step604) to be answered by user 102 and/or patient 103. Questionnaire can bedisplayed, for example, on patient workstation 114 or can be played as avoice based questionnaire. Questionnaire can comprise generic and/orpatient 103 specific questions designed to provide trained personnel 124with various data (e.g. data relating to patient 103 medical condition),including data required to enable analysis of the medical data acquiredduring the medical examinations (e.g. “does the patient have a fever andhow long?”, “how high is it?”, “does the patient feel any pain?”, “whereis the pain located?”, etc.). User 102 or patient 103 can answer thequestionnaire using for example voice recording using the diagnosticdevice 104 or using the patient workstation 114, or for example byreplying to a computerized questionnaire which can be displayed onpatient workstation 114. It is to be noted that other methods can beutilized in order to provide answers to the questionnaire.

Diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing examination logicmodule 208, can be further configured to perform a medical examinationselection and initiation (step 606). For that purpose, diagnosticsdevice 104 can enable user 102 to select a medical examination to beperformed, either manually or from a list of checks to be performed asdefined in patient 103 check plan. Alternatively, diagnostics device 104can select and initiate a check according to a pre-defined order set bypatient 103 specific check plan, without input from user 102. Themedical examination initiation can consist of, for example, retrievingreference medical examination data from the check plan or a relevantrepository (similar to medical examination initiation step 602).

Following selection of a check, diagnostics device 104, for example byutilizing navigation module 204, can be configured to perform deviceorientation (step 608). For example, diagnostics device 104 can instructuser 102 to move it to a position and orientation in proximity of aknown reference point (e.g. patient 103 nose, ear, eye, etc.). Duringpositioning of diagnostics device in proximity of such known referencepoint, diagnostics device 104 can instruct navigation camera tocontinuously or periodically acquire images of the patient's body.Diagnostics device 104 can continuously compare the acquired images toknown reference images of patient 103 (e.g. reference images saved forexample in one or more of: check plan repository 210, data repository216, patient & check plan repository 136, trained personnel datarepository 123 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored), as furtherdetailed, inter alia with respect to FIG. 4. Once a match is found,diagnostics device 104 can be configured to notify user 102 of the matchand to determine its spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof).

Following orientation of diagnostics device 104 with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), diagnostics device 104,for example by utilizing navigation module 204, can be configured toperform navigation and guiding (step 610) of diagnostics device 104 tothe desired spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof) that will enable acquisition of medicaldata by diagnostics device 104. Diagnostics device 104 can be configuredto calculate a route to a desired spatial disposition with respect tothe patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). Such desiredspatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof) can be defined, for example, by the patientspecific check plan (e.g. in accordance with the personalized organ/bodycalibration performed for patient 103). The route calculation isperformed continuously or periodically, for example until arrival to thedesired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to thepatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). It is to be noted thatthe navigation and route calculation processes are further explainedbelow, inter alia with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12. In parallel, anduntil arrival of diagnostics device 104 to the desired spatialdisposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof), diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing guidingmodule 206, can provide various guidance data instructing user 102 howto maneuver diagnostics devise 104 to the desired diagnostics device 104spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof), in accordance with the navigation calculationsindicated above. As indicated above, such guidance data can be conveyedto user 102 using various output means, such as, image display, voicecommands, diagnostics device 104 vibrations, etc. Throughout navigationand guiding of diagnostics device 104, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to check if the navigation quality is sufficient and if thereis a need in re-orienting diagnostics device 104. Such checks can beperformed for example by searching for additional reference images atpre-defined locations along the way, whereas in case the images acquiredby navigation camera 420 do not match the expected reference images (forexample as defined by patient 103 check plan), there is a need inre-orientation of navigation device 104. In addition, for example,navigation module logic 400 can also calculate the navigation quality bycalculating the distance between diagnostic device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) with the target desired spatial disposition with respect to thepatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) and check whether thereis a route convergence (i.e. the distance is getting smaller) or routedivergence (distance is getting bigger).

It is to be noted that in some cases, diagnostics device 104 navigationcan be performed without use of any patient specific reference data, butonly using generic reference data. In such cases, diagnostics device 104can be configured to continuously or periodically acquire patientmedical data, and monitor to see if the acquired medical data meetscertain criteria that indicate that the acquired data is the requesteddata. For example, diagnostic device 104 can use predefined genericimages of a typical organ such as an ear drum (not specific to apatient) as a reference. In this case, for example, diagnostic device104 can be configured to continually analyze the acquired patient'sinternal ear image, and try to match the reading to the generic imagereference. Matching criteria can be, for example, a unique imagecharacteristic of the organ such as the circular structure of theeardrum, and its image contrast compared to the surrounding image.Another example for a generic organ reading reference can be a genericsound wave of a human heart, and in this case, for example, the matchingcriteria can be the sound wave unique structure and specialcharacteristics such as pace, amplitude, volume, etc.

In still further cases, diagnostics device 104 navigation can beperformed with utilization of INS readings alone, using, for example,movement sensors 412 and orientation sensors 414. In such cases,diagnostics device 104 can be initiated for example by touching threeidentifiable body points, such as two patient 103 nipples and patient103 belly button. Using known in the art triangulation calculationmethods, diagnostics device 104 can than utilize movement sensors 412and orientation sensors 414 alone to navigate to various body points.

Upon arrival to diagnostics device 104 desired spatial disposition withrespect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof),diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing reading andverification logic module 212, can be configured to perform a readingand verification of the reading (step 612). Diagnostics device 104 canbe configured to verify that it is located at the desired spatialdisposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) when acquiring medical data of patient 103. Diagnostics device104 can be further configured to prepare for acquiring medical data ofpatient 103, and to perform acquisition of such medical data. Afteracquisition of medical data of patient, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to verify that the acquired data meets pre-defined standards(e.g. a required length of reading, recorded sound volume, readingparameters thresholds, etc.), as further detailed below, inter alia withreference to FIG. 14. In case the acquired data does not meet thepre-defined standards, diagnostics device 104 can in some cases beconfigured to instruct user 102 to perform the required repositioningand reorienting thereof in order to bring diagnostics device 104 to thedesired spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof). Following repositioning and reorienting ofdiagnostics device 104, reading and verification logic module 212 can beconfigured to retry acquiring the medical data of patient 103, asfurther detailed below, inter alia with reference to FIG. 14.

Following reading acquisition and verification of patient 103 medicaldata, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to check if the medicalexamination is done (e.g. all medical examinations defined by patient103 check plan have been performed). If not, diagnostics device 104 canbe configured to move to the next medical examination indicated bypatient 103 check plan. If all required medical examinations areperformed, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to finalize thecheck (step 614). During the check finalization 614, as well as in anyother step of the described process, diagnostic device 104 can beconfigured to perform any required action to the acquired patient 103medical data. Such actions can include, for example, updating repositorystatus, embedding patient data or check data in the reading data,encrypting data, compressing data, transmitting the acquired data todifferent locations (e.g. trained personnel workstation 122 and/orcentral system 130), etc.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for performing personalized calibration of adiagnostic device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. Diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing calibrationlogic module 214, can be configured to initiate a calibration check(step 702). The initial calibration can be performed by trainedpersonnel 124. During calibration trained personnel 124 activatesdiagnostics device 104 instead of user 102. This can require patient 103arrival to trained personnel location 120 or trained personnel 124arrival to patient location 100 for diagnostics device calibration. Itis to be noted that diagnostics device 104 can be configured to allowperforming the calibration process by user 102 with a remote guiding andassistance of trained personnel 124.

After calibration initiation, trained personnel 124 can select aspecific check (for example a check that is required for the specificpatient 103 and activate diagnostics device 104 calibration mode (step704). Optionally, the specific check is selected from a list of checks(that can be displayed, for example, on diagnostic device 104 or ontrained personnel workstation 122). Following activation of calibrationmode, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to guide trainedpersonnel 124 during calibration (step 706). Such guidance of trainedpersonnel 124 is performed in accordance with the selected check and thecalibration method.

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to record referencedata (in accordance with the calibration method, as detailed below)during performance of the medical examination by trained personnel 124and optionally present the recorded data, for example on trainedpersonnel workstation 122 (step 708). The recorded reference data can bestored, for example, in one or more of: check plan repository 210, datarepository 216, patient & check plan repository 136, trained personneldata repository 123 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored.

Reverting to FIG. 8a , there is shown a flowchart illustrating anexample of a sequence of operations carried out for recording referencedata during personalized calibration of a diagnostic device, usingimaging and orientation sensors, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter. According to this calibration method, trainedpersonnel 124 perform the medical examination while diagnostics device104 records various data (step 740), including patient 103 body imagesusing navigation camera 420 and diagnostics device 104 INS data usingINS sensors 410 (6 axis movement—using accelerometers and gyroscopes).In some cases, diagnostics device 104 can be further configured torecord data relating to the distance of diagnostics sensor from patient103 body using distance sensors 430. In some cases, diagnostics device104 can be further configured to record data relating to the pressureexerted on diagnostics device against patient 103 body using pressuresensors 440. Following positioning and orienting diagnostics device 104in the desired spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof) (according to trained personnel 124decision), trained personnel can perform medical data acquisition,whereas diagnostics device 104 can be configured to record the medicaldata acquired by image based sensors 310 and/or sound based sensors 320.All the recorded data can be saved on one or more of check planrepository 210, data repository 216, patient & check plan repository136, medical examination repository 134, or any other locationoperatively connected to diagnostics device 104 on which patient datacan be stored.

Reverting to FIG. 8b there is shown a flowchart illustrating an exampleof a sequence of operations carried out for recording reference dataduring personalized calibration of a diagnostic device, using INSsensors and body points, in accordance with the presently disclosedsubject matter. Also according to this calibration method, trainedpersonnel 124 performs the medical examination while diagnostics device104 records various data, including patient 103 body images usingnavigation camera 420 and diagnostics device 104 INS data using INSsensors 410 (6 axis movement—using accelerometers and gyroscopes).Diagnostics device 104 can be configured to present trained personnel124 (for example on trained personnel workstation 122) data indicating areference point to be reached and the next reference point to be reachedfrom the first reference point (step 750). Trained personnel 124 can beinstructed to move diagnostics device 104 to the first reference pointhe should reach, touch the reference point with diagnostics device 104and from there move to the next reference point he should reach andtouch it as well. During the movement of diagnostics device 104 to andbetween the reference points, diagnostics device records data (step752), including patient 103 body images using navigation camera 420 anddiagnostics device 104 INS data using INS sensors 410 (6 axismovement—using accelerometers and gyroscopes). In some cases,diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to record data relatingto the distance of diagnostics sensor from patient 103 body usingdistance sensors 430. In some cases, diagnostics device 104 can befurther configured to record data relating to the pressure exerted ondiagnostics device against patient 103 body using pressure sensors 440.Upon arrival of diagnostics device to a reference point, as indicatedabove, diagnostics device touches the point, thus indicating that itscurrent location is the reference point location (step 754). In somecases the trained personnel 124 can also acknowledge reaching thedesired reference point, by using the device keypad 504 or any otherconfirmation method. The process repeats until enough reference pointsare selected. It is to be noted that in some cases three referencepoints are enough as they form a basis for utilization of knowntriangulation techniques that can be used for navigating diagnosticsdevice 104. Following acquisition of reference points data, diagnosticsdevice 104 can be configured to alert trained personnel 124 that medicaldata acquisition can commence (step 756). Trained personnel 124 can thenmove diagnostics device 104 to the desired spatial disposition withrespect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) fromwhich a medical data acquisition can be performed (step 758), whilediagnostics device continues to record the reference data (including,inter alia, patient 103 body images and diagnostics device 104 INSdata). Following acquisition of all reference data, including thereference points, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to calculatethe relative spatial disposition of diagnostics device 104 in respect ofthe acquired reference points (step 759).

Reverting to FIG. 8c there is shown a flowchart illustrating one exampleof a sequence of operations carried out for recording reference dataduring personalized calibration of a diagnostic device, using referencepoints and pointing object, in accordance with the presently disclosedsubject matter. According to this calibration method, trained personnel124 performs the medical examination while diagnostics device 104records various data, including patient's 103 body images usingnavigation camera 420. Diagnostics device 104 can be configured toinstruct trained personnel 124 to point diagnostics device 104 in thedirection of a relevant body part (e.g. chest, back, head, etc.) andacquire an image by utilizing, for example, navigation camera 420 (step770).

Following acquisition of an image diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to try to extract reference points from the acquired image.For this purpose, diagnostics device can be configured to utilizepre-stored data relating to expected points within the area of theacquired image (e.g. if the acquired image is of patient 103 head,expected reference points can be the eyes, the nose, the mouth, theeyebrows, etc., if the acquired image is of patient chest, expectedreference points can be the nipples, the navel, etc.) in order to tryand find a match thereto within the acquired image (step 772). Forexample, if an image of the chest was acquired, diagnostics device 104can be configured to look for the nipples in the acquired image (forexample diagnostics device 104 can utilize pre-stored data thatindicates that a nipple appearance is round, its size can have a certainrange and it is regularly darker than its surrounding area). Diagnosticsdevice 104 can be configured to ask trained personnel 124 to acknowledgethe calculated reference points.

In case diagnostics device 104 fails to find a match to the expectedreference points within the acquired image, diagnostics device 104 canoptionally be configured to notify trained personnel 124 of the failure.Diagnostics device 104 can optionally be further configured to enabletrained personnel 124 to mark the reference points manually on theacquired image that, for that purpose, can be displayed on trainedpersonnel workstation 122 (step 773). Such marking of the referencepoints can be performed for example by using an indicator presented ontrained personnel workstation 122, where said indicator can be moved,for example, by a computer mouse or any other suitable input device(e.g. keypad, track pad, etc.). Alternatively or additionally,diagnostics device 104 can be configured to enable such marking by touchof trained personnel 124 on the reference points, for example using hisfinger. In such cases, diagnostics device 104 can be configured toidentify trained personnel 124 finger within the image acquired bynavigation camera 420.

Following marking of the reference points, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to instruct trained personnel 124 to mark the desiredlocation of diagnostics device 104 for medical data acquisition on theacquired image (step 774). In some cases, diagnostics device 104 can befurther configured to mark the next desired location of diagnosticsdevice 104 for medical data acquisition on the acquired image (step775), and the process repeats until all desired locations of diagnosticsdevice 104 for medical data acquisition are marked on the acquiredimage.

It is to be noted that in some cases, each of the calibration methodsdetailed above can be performed virtually, as instead of an actualphysical meeting between trained personnel 124 and patient 103, avirtual meeting can take place, in which trained personnel 124 can, forexample, guide user 102 on how to perform the calibration. In suchcases, user 102 can activate diagnostics device throughout thecalibration according to trained personnel 124 instructions. Suchvirtual meeting can utilize known methods and techniques such as videoconferencing, etc.

Returning to FIG. 7, after arrival to the desired diagnostics device 104spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof), while recording reference data, diagnosticsdevice 104 can be further configured to enable trained personnel 124 toperform medical data acquisition (step 710). Diagnostics device 104 canbe further configured to store the acquired medical data as referencedata (step 712) (as indicated above, the recorded reference data can bestored, for example, in one or more of: check plan repository 210, datarepository 216, patient & check plan repository 136, trained personneldata repository 123 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored).

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to repeat the processuntil calibration is done (for example as indicated by trained personnel124).

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to store the entireexamination process (e.g. the series of medical examinations performedby trained personnel 124), for example, in one or more of: check planrepository 210, data repository 216, patient & check plan repository136, trained personnel data repository 123 or any other locationoperatively connected to diagnostics device 104 on which patient data isstored (step 730).

It is to be noted that in some cases, there is no need in performing anycalibration of diagnostics device 104. In such cases, diagnostics device104 can be configured to perform a generic check plan or a modifiedpersonal check plan using only generic reference data, without utilizingany personal reference data that requires calibration process to thediagnostic device 104. It is to be further noted that in such cases,when performing a certain check (e.g. throat check, ear check, etc.)diagnostics device 104 can instruct user 102 to move to a spatialdisposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) in proximity of a known reference point (e.g. patient 103 nose,ear, eye, etc.). During the positioning, diagnostics device 104 caninstruct the relevant image based sensor 310 (e.g. relevant organ camerasensor such as ear reading sensor, etc.) to continuously or periodicallyacquire organ images. Diagnostics device 104 can continuously orperiodically compare the acquired images to known generic referenceimages of the required organ to be read (e.g. reference images of “eardrums”, throat tonsils, etc.). The reference images can be saved forexample in check plan repository 210, data repository 216, patient &check plan repository 136, trained personnel data repository 123 or anyother location operatively connected to diagnostics device 104 on whichpatient data is stored. User 102 can then move diagnostics device 104towards a spatial disposition with respect to the patient's 103 body (ora specific part thereof) approximate to the desired spatial dispositionwith respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof)until diagnostics device 104 identifies at least one matching referencepoint (as further detailed below, inter alia with respect to FIGS. 9 and10, reference points can also be reference patterns). Once diagnosticsdevice 104 reaches the desired spatial disposition with respect to thepatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) it can generate an alertto user 102 and perform a data acquisition and verification as definedin the check plan and explained above.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of exemplary image based referencepoints and patterns, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. It can be noted that each patient organ can be associated withone or more reference points. A reference point can in some cases alsobe a certain pattern such as the linear shape formed by the patientorgan structure. For example, patient nose 900 can have multiplereference points associated therewith, including 910A-910C. Suchreference points can be, for example, located at the edges of the nose(such as 910A and 910C), at the middle of the nose (such as 910B) or atany other location associated with patient nose (not shown). Patient ear905 can have multiple reference points associated therewith, including920A-920D. Such reference points can be, for example, located at theedges of the ear (such as 920A-920B), at curves formed by the earstructure (such as 920B and 920 D) or at any other location associatedwith patient ear (not shown). A reference point can also be a certainpattern such as the linear shapes formed by the patient's organstructure. Such types of reference points are illustrated in the figureby reference numerals 915, 925A, 925B and 925C. It can be appreciatedthat such reference points type reflect the relevant organ structure ofa specific patient, and utilization thereof inter alia enablesdetermination of the relative diagnostics device 104 spatial dispositionwith respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) andnavigation of diagnostics device 104 to the desired spatial dispositionwith respect to the patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof).

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of exemplary image based and INSbased reference points, in accordance with the presently disclosedsubject matter. It can be noted that reference points 764A-764C can beused in order to enable for example triangulation based navigation usingINS sensors 410. As indicated above (inter alia with reference to FIG.8b ), diagnostics device 104 can be configured to acquire reference dataof three reference points (e.g. left nipple 764C, right nipple 764B andnavel 764A). Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to utilizethe reference data and INS sensors 410 data in order to determine thelocation of desired spatial dispositions of diagnostics device 104 (forexample positions and orientations 762A, 762B, etc.) with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof). It is to be noted thatdiagnostic device 104 can also use the reference points 764A-764-C toenable image based calculations and user guidance to a desired spatialdisposition (for example 762A, 762B) with respect to patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof) (for example in order to acquire medicaldata).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for calculating the spatial disposition of adiagnostic device with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof), in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.Diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing navigation module 204,can be configured to instruct user 102 to move diagnostics device 104 tobe in proximity to a known reference point relating to the specificselected medical examination (step 802). For example, if the selectedcheck is an ear check, diagnostics device 104 can be configured toinstruct user 102 to move diagnostics device 104 to the proximity ofpatient 103 ear.

Following locating diagnostics device 104 in proximity of a knownreference point relating to the specific selected medical examination,diagnostics device 104 can be configured to activate one or morenavigation sensors such as INS sensors 410, navigation camera 420,navigation light sources 426, pressure sensors 440, distance sensors430, etc. (step 804).

Diagnostics device 104 can be configured to utilize the data receivedfrom the one or more navigation sensors and start searching for knownreference points according to which the current spatial disposition ofdiagnostics device 104 with respect to the desired position andorientation with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) can be calculated (step 806). The current spatial dispositionof diagnostics device 104 with respect to patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof) can be calculated by utilizing identification ofone or more known reference points (stored on one or more of: check planrepository 210, data repository 216, patient & check plan repository136, trained personnel data repository 123 or any other locationoperatively connected to diagnostics device 104 on which patient data isstored) within the data received from the one or more navigationsensors. For example, if a throat medical examination is requested,diagnostics device activates one or more navigation sensors such asnavigation camera 420, etc., and compares the received data relating topatient's 103 throat with relevant reference data (such as patient'sthroat image, nose image, etc.) stored on one or more of: check planrepository 210, data repository 216, patient & check plan repository136, trained personnel data repository 123 or any other locationoperatively connected to diagnostics device 104 on which patient data isstored. When a match is found, diagnostics device 104 can calculate itsrelative spatial disposition with respect to the desired spatialdisposition. Such calculated spatial disposition can be used as anorigin point for performing the navigation process to enable medicaldata acquisition (in the example, medical data relating to patient 103throat) using known methods and techniques. One exemplary, non-limitingmethod is comparing images acquired by navigation sensors (e.g.navigation camera 420) with known reference images. When a match isfound the approximate spatial disposition can be calculated. It can beappreciated that images can appear at different positions, orientationsand scaling factors, however there are some algorithms that can beutilized for compensating such differences, such as, for example, usingScale-Invariant Feature Transform (or SIFT algorithm), which waspublished by Lowe, David G. (1999) in “Object recognition from localscale-invariant features”, doi:10.1109/ICCV.1999.790410 or in U.S. Pat.No. 6,711,293, “Method and apparatus for identifying scale invariantfeatures in an image and use of same for locating an object in animage”, David Lowe's patent for the SIFT algorithm.

Following calculation of diagnostics device 104 relative spatialdisposition with respect to the desired spatial disposition, diagnosticsdevice 104 can be configured to start the navigation and guiding process(step 818).

If a match is found and diagnostics device 104 successfully calculatedits current spatial disposition with respect to the desired spatialdisposition, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to notify user 102(step 812) and lock the current spatial disposition as a starting pointfor the navigation process (step 814). If no match is found, for exampleafter a pre-defined time period (e.g. 15 seconds), diagnostics device104 can be configured to check for errors (e.g. validate that navigationsensors are operative, validate that reference data is available, etc.)and notify user 102 of the failure to find a match (step 808). Ifdiagnostics device 104 fails to find any error related to it,diagnostics device 104 can be configured to return to step 806 andsearch again for known reference points. If diagnostics device 104 foundan error related to it, diagnostics device 104 can be configured tonotify user 102 of the error and, if the error has been handled,diagnostics device 104 can be configured to enable user 102 to return tostep 806 and search again for known reference points (step 810).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Diagnostics device 104, for example byutilizing navigation module 204, can be configured to calculate a routefrom a known reference point that was found (see for example FIG. 11),to the desired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respectto patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) (step 901). The routecalculation can be performed, for example, by utilizing known methodsand techniques. A route calculation can be performed, for example, bycalculating the distance and required movement correction between thecurrent diagnostic device 104 position (X1, Y1, Z1), as identified byutilizing the reference data (see FIG. 11) to the target diagnosticdevice 104 position as defined by the reference data (X2, Y2, Z2). Thedistance can be calculated using known techniques such as subtractingthe values of each axis (such as Xd=X1−X2, etc.). The result value ofeach axis can be defined as the required correction of diagnostic device104 position. In addition, the system can calculate the requiredrotation correction to diagnostic device 104 orientation using Yaw,Pitch and Roll rotation calculation techniques as known in the art.Following route calculation, diagnostics device 104, for example byutilizing guiding module 206, can be configured to provide user 102 withguidance data instructing user 102 how to maneuver diagnostics device104 to the desired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) (step 916).For this purpose, diagnostics device can be configured to present user102 with the current spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof) of diagnostics device 104, for exampleas detailed with respect to FIG. 13 above. Diagnostics device can alsobe configured to provide user 102 with voice instructions instructinguser 102 on how to maneuver diagnostics device 104. It is to be notedthat, as indicated above, other instruction methods can be utilized aswell (e.g. diagnostics device 104 vibrations, etc.).

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to continuouslycalculate its current spatial disposition with respect to the desiredspatial disposition (step 902). During continuous or periodic positionand orientation calculation, diagnostics device 104 can be configured tocontinuously receive data from one or more navigation sensors such asINS sensors 410, navigation camera 420, pressure sensors 440, distancesensors 430, etc. (step 906) and continuously calculate its currentspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) by means of comparison of the data received from the oneor more navigation sensors with the reference data (e.g. referenceimage, reference INS data, etc.), for example by using known methods andtechniques (step 908). One exemplary, non-limiting method is utilizingINS sensors 410 data for computing diagnostics device 104 trajectoryaccording to gyro and accelerometer information. The mathematics isbased on a solution of 6 Degrees Of Freedom equations as described invarious papers and books (for example “Strapdown Inertial NavigationTechnology”, D. Titterton and J. Weston, ISBN 1563476932). In order toovercome error accumulation that can occur with time and which canaffect precision, the diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) can befurther calculated according to image comparison as detailed above.Thus, the diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) can be constantly orperiodically computed by utilizing the INS sensors 410 data (bydetermining diagnostics device velocity and position) while utilizingimage comparison in order to eliminate errors (e.g. by matchingreference points). The INS sensors 410 data and the image comparisondata can be merged for example by using Kalman Filtering which is anexemplary algorithm for information fusion.

If diagnostics device 104 current spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) is the desireddiagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof), diagnostics device can be configuredto acquire patient 103 medical data, as further detailed, inter alia,with respect to FIG. 14. However, if diagnostics device 104 currentspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) is not the desired diagnostics device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof), diagnostics device 104 can be configured to perform a movementcorrection calculation (step 910). During movement correctioncalculation, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to calculate thedelta between its current spatial disposition with respect to patient's103 body (or a specific part thereof) and the desired spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof), and/or the calculated route. Movement correction calculationcan be based, for example, on data received from the one or morenavigation sensors and the calculated route. In such cases, after aroute is calculated, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to checkif the actual movements made by it do not fit the expected movementscalculated during route calculation. Alternatively movement correctioncalculation can be based on re-comparing the data received from the oneor more navigation sensors and the respective reference data.

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to perform a navigationquality calculation (step 912). Diagnostics device 104 can be configuredto check various parameters indicative of the navigation quality, suchas convergence (check that the distance from the desired spatialdisposition is getting smaller), etc. In case the navigation qualitymeets the requirements (e.g. the distance to the desired spatialdisposition is getting smaller, etc.), diagnostics device returns tostep 916 in order to continue the navigation and guiding process. If,however, the navigation quality does not meet the requirements,diagnostics device 104 can be configured to return to step 608 andperform device re-orientation.

FIG. 12a is a flowchart illustrating another example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Also in this example diagnostics device 104,for example by utilizing navigation module 204, can be configured tocalculate a route from a known reference point that was found (see forexample FIG. 11), to the desired diagnostics device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof). However, in the current example user 102 initially points to acertain place on patient 103 body with pointing object 935 (for exampleuser 102 finger, etc.) and the route is calculated while utilizing theinitial location of pointing object 935 as the starting point. Lookingat FIG. 12b there is shown a schematic illustration of an exemplarypointing object used for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter. It can be appreciated that pointing object 935points to a certain location on patient 103 body while diagnosticsdevice 104 utilizes one or more navigation sensors as further detailedbelow for calculating pointing object location and a route from thepointing object location to the desired diagnostics device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof).

Returning to FIG. 12a , following route calculation, diagnostics device104, for example by utilizing guiding module 206, can be configured toprovide user 102 with guidance data instructing user 102 how to maneuverpointing object 935 to the desired diagnostics device 104 spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) (step 936). For this purpose, diagnostics device can beconfigured to present user 102 with the current location of pointingobject 935. Diagnostics device can also be configured to provide userwith voice instructions instructing user 102 on how to maneuver pointingobject 935. It is to be noted that, as indicated above, otherinstruction methods can be utilized as well (e.g. diagnostics device 104vibrations, etc.).

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to continuouslycalculate pointing object 935 current location with respect to itsdesired location (step 920). During continuous pointing object 935location calculation, diagnostics device 104 can be configured tocontinuously receive data from one or more navigation sensors such asnavigation camera 420, distance sensors 430, etc. (step 922) andcontinuously calculate pointing object 935 current location by means ofcomparison of the data received from the one or more navigation sensorswith the reference data (e.g. reference image, etc.), for example byusing known methods and techniques as detailed above (step 924).

If pointing object 935 current location is the desired diagnosticsdevice 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof), diagnostics device can be configured to instructuser 102 to move diagnostics device 104 to the location indicated bypointing object 935 (step 928) and acquire patient 103 medical data, asfurther detailed, inter alia, with respect to FIG. 14. However, ifpointing object 935 current location is not the desired diagnosticsdevice 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof), diagnostics device 104 can be configured toperform a movement correction calculation (step 930). During movementcorrection calculation, diagnostics device 104 can be configured tocalculate the delta between pointing object 935 current location and itsdesired location, and/or the calculated route. Movement correctioncalculation can be based, for example, on data received from the one ormore navigation sensors and the calculated route. In such cases, after aroute is calculated, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to checkif the actual movements made by pointing object 935 do not fit theexpected movements calculated during route calculation. Alternativelymovement correction calculation can be based on re-comparing the datareceived from the one or more navigation sensors and the respectivereference data.

Diagnostics device 104 can be further configured to perform a navigationquality calculation (step 932). Diagnostics device 104 can be configuredto check various parameters indicative of the navigation quality, suchas convergence (check that the distance of pointing object 935 from itsdesired location is getting smaller), etc. In case the navigationquality meets the requirements (e.g. the distance of pointing object 935from its desired location is getting smaller, etc.), diagnostics devicereturns to step 936 in order to continue the navigation and guidingprocess. If, however, the navigation quality does not meet therequirements, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to return to step608 and perform device re-orientation.

It is to be noted that other navigation methods for navigatingdiagnostics device 104 can be utilized as well.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for acquisition and verification of a reading bya diagnostic device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. Diagnostics device 104, for example by utilizing reading andverification logic module 212, can be configured, for example uponarrival to desired diagnostics device 104 spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) (e.g. spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) that enable medical data acquisition, as detailed above), tonotify user 102 that it is located in the desired spatial dispositionwith respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) andabout to start taking the reading (step 1002). Diagnostics device 104can be further configured to instruct diagnostics sensor module 202 toprepare to acquire medical data of patient 103 (step 1004). Suchpreparations can include preparing diagnostics sensors 202 to acquiremedical data according to the patient specific check plan. Exemplarypreparations are setting image acquisition sensor 316 zoom, activatinglight sources 318 at correct power, activating sound acquisition sensor324, etc. In addition diagnostic device 104 can be configured toretrieve the relevant reading parameters and thresholds for example fromthe patient specific check plan (e.g. the required length of reading,reference thresholds such as minimal sound volume, etc.).

Diagnostics device 104 can also be configured to recalculate its currentspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) and verify that no movements have been made and that it isstill located in the desired spatial disposition (step 902). In casethere has been a change in diagnostics device 104 spatial dispositionwith respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof),diagnostics device 104 can be configured to return to the navigation andguiding process (610). Otherwise, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to perform medical data acquisition (step 1006). The medicaldata can be acquired according to the check plan, that, as indictedabove, can include information, inter alia about the examinationprocess, steps and logic, and predefined reading parameters such as typeof sensor to be used (still image vs. video), required length of reading(sound or video recording) in terms of time (e.g. seconds), and readingdata thresholds (for example definition of acceptable minimal and/ormaximal reading limits to be used as a quality parameter of a reading.Thus, for example, if the heart is to be checked, the check plan candefine that the sound based sensors 320 are to be used and that thereading length should be 3 seconds, or between 2.5 and 5 seconds, etc.).

Following medical data acquisition, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to verify that the acquired medical data meets pre-definedstandards (e.g. a required length of reading, reading data thresholds,etc.) (step 1008). For example, if the heart is to be checked, and thecheck plan defines that the reading length should be between 2.5 and 5seconds, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to check that thereading length meets the requirement. In case the acquired medical datadid not meet the pre-defined standards, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to check if the reading acquisition process was ok (step1010) (for example that the diagnostics sensors 202 are operative, thatthe check plan data and the reference data were successfully retrieved,that the navigation and guidance processes succeeded, etc.). If theprocess was ok, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to return tostep 902 (in order to retry acquiring the medical data). If the processwas not ok, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to issue anotification to user 102 (for example by presenting a message ondiagnostic device 104 or patient workstation 114, etc.) and enable himto review the acquired medical data, if any (step 1012). Diagnosticsdevice 104 can be further configured to enable user 102 to decide if theacquired medical data is to be saved or not.

If user 102 chooses to save the acquired medical data, or the readingacquisition process was ok, diagnostics device 104 can be configured tosave the acquired medical data (for example, in one or more of: datarepository 216, patient & check plan repository 136, trained personneldata repository 123 or any other location operatively connected todiagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored) (step 1014).

Optionally, in case the reading acquisition process was ok, diagnosticsdevice 104 can be configured to update the reference data with theacquired medical data (step 1016). This can be performed in order tokeep the reference data up to date, as changes can occur to the humanbody (for example in light of growing up, aging, medical treatments,etc.).

We will now turn to describe another embodiment of the system, in whichparts of the functionality described above as performed by diagnosticsdevice 104 is performed by trained personnel 124. It is to be noted thatrelevant changes to diagnostics device 104 in comparison to theembodiment described above are mentioned below. As indicated above, itis to be noted that identical reference numerals indicate thosecomponents that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of asystem for performing an automatic and remote trained personnel guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. As detailed above, it can be appreciated that user 102 andpatient 103 are located at patient location 100. User 102 can in somecases be patient 103 whose medical examination is required (in suchcases, even though user 102 and patient 103 are shown as separateentities in the drawings, they are in fact the same entity). In othercases, user 102 can be a person that will be performing the medicalexamination of patient 103.

As detailed above, for the purpose of performing a medical examination,user 102 operates a diagnostic device 104, as further detailed below. Insome cases, user 102 also operates a patient workstation 114, as furtherdetailed below. Patient workstation 114 can be any computer, including apersonal computer, a portable computer, a cellular handset or anapparatus with appropriate processing capabilities, including a computerand/or an apparatus which can be, for example, specifically configuredfor that purpose. Patient workstation 114 can further comprise patientlocation camera 1114 a and patient location microphone 1114 b, that canbe used, inter alia, for acquiring image (including video) and sounddata of patient 103. Such data can be used by trained personnel 124 forexample for viewing and hearing patient 103 and/or user 102 and/ordiagnostic device 104 by trained personnel 124 as well as allowing videoconferencing, as further detailed below. It is to be noted that in somecases, patient workstation 114 can be incorporated within diagnosticsdevice 104. Diagnostics device 104 comprises (or is otherwise associatedwith) at least one processor 106 (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), amicrocontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) and a memory unit 110 (e.g.ROM, hard disk, etc.). Processor 106 is configured to receiveinstructions and control the components and operations of diagnosticsdevice 104.

As detailed above, in some cases diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to communicate with patient workstation 114. Thecommunication between diagnostics device 104 and patient workstation 114can be realized by any communication means, e.g. via wired or wirelesscommunication. It can be noted that user 102, patient 103, diagnosticsdevice 104 and patient workstation 114 are located at patient location100.

Diagnostics device 104 can be configured to enable acquisition ofvarious data as further detailed below. The acquired data can betransmitted (directly from diagnostics device 104 or through patientworkstation 114) to trained personnel workstation 122 located at trainedpersonnel location 120 and/or to central system 130. Central system 130and trained personnel workstation 120 can be any computer, including apersonal computer, a portable computer, a cellular handset or anapparatus with appropriate processing capabilities, including a computerand/or an apparatus which can be, for example, specifically configuredfor that purpose. The acquired data can be transmitted for example viaInternet 116. It is to be noted that the data can be transmitted whileutilizing other known communication alternatives, such as a cellularnetwork, VPN, LAN, etc.

As detailed above, central system 130 comprises patient & check planrepository 136 in which various data relating to the patient ismaintained. Such data can include, for example, patient identificationnumber, patient name, patient age, patient contact details, patientmedical data (such as diseases, sensitivities to medicines, etc.), checkplans data (as further detailed below), etc. Central system 130 canfurther comprise a medical examination repository 134 in which dataacquired by diagnostics device 104, patient workstation 114 and trainedpersonnel workstation 122 is maintained. Such data can include, forexample, results of medical examinations performed using diagnosticsdevice 104 (such as ear recorded images and video readings, lungs orheart recorded sound, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. as furtherdetailed below). Central system 130 can further comprise managementsystem 132, that can be configured to establish a connection between aselected trained personnel workstation 122 (for example an availabletrained personnel workstation 122 or trained personnel workstation 122with the shortest queue) and diagnostics device 104 and/or patientworkstation 114. It is to be noted that when providing a central system,there may be more than one trained personnel location 120 and trainedpersonnel 124 as central system 130 allows for a distributed approach inwhich data can be received by central system 130 from multiple patientlocations and transferred to multiple trained personnel locations, forexample in order to establish connections between trained personnelworkstations and patient workstations and/or diagnostics devices. Theconnection can be a direct connection or a connection via central system130, and it can be established e.g. via Internet 116. It is to be notedthat other known connection alternatives can be utilized, such as acellular network, VPN, LAN, etc.). In some cases, management system 132can also manage other processes such as, subscribing patients, planningscheduling of patients to available trained personnel, managing patientand check plan repository 136, viewing and analyzing medical examinationrepository 134, etc.

It is to be noted that central system 130 is optional to the solutionand that central system 130 can be part of any trained personnel system120, In addition the communication between trained personnel workstation122 and diagnostics device 104 and/or patient workstation 114 (alsoreferred to hereinafter as: “tp-patient connection”) can be implementeddirectly without the use of, or need for, a central system 130. It isalso to be noted that tp-patient connection can be implemented using adistributed approach i.e. multiple patients can be served by one trainedperson and/or one patient can be served by multiple trained persons. Insuch case, patient workstation 114 can include for example a localrepository containing one or more connections information to a relevanttrained personnel workstation 122, and vice-versa.

When the transmitted data (including image and voice data of patient103) is received at trained personnel workstation 122, the data can bedisplayed on trained personnel workstation 122. For that purpose,trained personnel workstation 122 can include, inter alia, a display(e.g. LCD screen). It is to be noted that the image and voice data ofpatient 103 can be streamed to trained personnel workstation 122.Trained personnel 124 can view the received data on display and provideuser 102 with navigational directions for navigating diagnostics device104 to a desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof) from which medical data is to be acquired.For this purpose, trained personnel workstation 122 can comprise trainedpersonnel camera 1122 a and trained personnel microphone 1122 b that canbe used for acquiring image (including video) and sound data of trainedpersonnel 124. It is to be noted that during the tp-patient connection avideo conference can take place while utilizing, for example, patientlocation camera 1114 a, patient location microphone 1114 b, trainedpersonnel camera 1122 a, and trained personnel microphone 1122 b. Insuch cases the data received from trained personnel camera 1122 a andtrained personnel microphone 1122 b, can be presented to user 102utilizing for example a patient workstation 114 display and speakerusing for example video-conference software.

For the purpose of providing navigation instructions to user 102,trained personnel workstation 122 can be further connected to guidingdevice 1124 (e.g. via a wired or wireless connection). Guiding device1124 can be any input mean that will enable trained personnel 124 toprovide user 102 with six axis movement instructions (up-down,left-right, back-forward, pitch, roll, yaw), as further detailed below,inter alia with respect to FIG. 16. As trained personnel 124 providesthe navigation instructions to user 102 utilizing guiding device 1124,the instructions are transmitted to patient workstation 114 or todiagnostics device 104. Patient workstation 114 or diagnostics device104 can be configured to present the instructions to user 102, forexample visually on a display (e.g. LCD screen included in patientworkstation 114 or diagnostics device 104). Another exemplaryalternative is to present the instructions to user 102 vocally whiletranslating the received data to voice commands (using known methods andtechniques).

Upon arrival to a desired diagnostics device 104 spatial dispositionwith respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), trainedpersonnel 124 can instruct user 102 to acquire medical data usingdiagnostics device 104. In addition, trained personnel workstation 122and/or guiding device 1124 can enable trained personnel 124 to acquirethe required medical data by themselves. In such a case, trainedpersonnel workstation 122 and/or guiding device 1124 will transfertrained personnel 124 instruction to diagnostic device 104, which willautomatically acquire the required readings based on the receivedinstructions. It is to be noted that trained personnel workstation 122and/or guiding device 1124 and/or diagnostic device 104 can also beconfigured to use the pre-defined reading acquisition parameters, asdefined in check plan repository 210 and/or patient and check planrepository 136 or any other location operatively connected to trainedpersonnel workstation 122 and/or guiding device 1124 and/or diagnosticdevice 104 on which patient data is stored. After medical data isacquired, diagnostics device can be configured to transmit the acquireddata to trained personnel workstation 122 and/or to central system 130.When the transmitted data is received at trained personnel workstation122, the data can be saved in trained personnel data repository 123 thatcan be connected to trained personnel workstation 122. Trained personnel124 (e.g. a doctor, a nurse, a medic, etc., including any other personskilled to analyze the transmitted data), located at trained personnellocation 120, and/or at central system 130, can retrieve and review theacquired data, for example using trained personnel workstation 122. Itis to be noted that patient workstation 114, trained personnelworkstation 122 and central system 130 can include a display (e.g. LCDscreen), and a keyboard or any other suitable input/output devices. Insome cases, trained personnel 124 can provide feedback to user 102, forexample by transmitting data back to patient workstation 114. Suchfeedback can include, for example, analysis of the received data,request to receive more data, medical treatment instructions, invitationto a further examination, etc. Alternatively or additionally, trainedpersonnel 124 can transmit feedback data to central system 130, which,in turn, can transmit the feedback data to patient workstation 114 (e.g.via the Internet, cellular network, etc.).

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of some exemplary guiding devicesthat can be used for providing navigation instructions to a user of adiagnostic device, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. Guiding device 1124 can be, for example, keyboard 1522, mouse1524, navigation device 1526, etc. it can be appreciated that keyboard1522 can enable trained personnel 124 to provide 6-axis movement data1520 to user 102 as indicated above. For example, keyboard 1522 can havea trackball that enables providing, for example, pitch, yaw and rollmovement, arrow keys that enable for example up-down and left-rightmovement and other key or keys that enable back-forward motion. It is tobe noted that this is a mere example as other keys can be used and otherfunctionality can be defined for the trackball and for the keys. In somecases, the trackball is optional and keyboard keys can perform itsfunctionality. As another example, mouse 1524 can be utilized. In suchcases, mouse movement can enable for example up-down and left-rightmovement while mouse 1524 can have an additional trackball for enabling,for example, pitch, yaw and roll movement. Back-forward motion can berepresented for example by pressing a mouse key and moving the mousebackwards and forwards. It is to be noted that this is a mere example asother keys can be used and other functionality can be defined for thetrackball, the mouse and the mouse keys. As a further example,navigation device 1526 can be used. Navigation device 1526 can comprise,for example, INS sensors or any other mean that enables identifyingnavigation device 1526 motion, e.g. in 6 degrees of freedom.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for performing an automatic and remote trainedpersonnel guided medical examination, in accordance with the presentlydisclosed subject matter. The process begins with performance of aphysical check initiation (step 1602). Physical check initiation caninclude establishing and verification of a tp-patient connection and caninclude one or more of the following initiations: trained personnelcheck initiation 1602 a, patient check initiation 1602 b and devicecheck initiation 1602 c. Trained personnel check initiation 1602 a caninclude activating trained personnel workstation 122, including thedisplay, the trained personnel camera 1122 a, the trained personnelmicrophone 1122 b and optionally guiding device 1124. Trained personnelcheck initiation 1602 a can further include retrieving relevant detailsrelating to patient 103 (e.g. from one or more of: data repository 216,check plan repository 210, trained personnel data repository 123,patient & check plan repository 136 or any other location operativelyconnected to trained personnel workstation 122 on which patient data isstored) and displaying all or part of the retrieved details on trainedpersonnel workstation 122 (e.g. on a display). The retrieved data caninclude data relating to a patient specific check plan, readingreferences, communication parameters, etc. Trained personnel checkinitiation can further include displaying data received from patientworkstation 114 or diagnostics device 104, including image and voicedata received (e.g. streamed) from one or more of patient locationcamera 1114 a, patient location microphone 1114 b, diagnostics sensors202 of diagnostics device 104, navigation camera 420 of diagnosticsdevice 104, etc. Trained personnel check initiation 1602 a can furtherinclude retrieving relevant details relating to patient 103 fromexternal systems such as visit scheduling system, Electronic MedicalRecord (EMR) system or any other system or repository, which arerelevant to the patient's examination.

Patient check initiation 1602 b can include activating patientworkstation 114, including the display, patient location camera 1114 a,patient location microphone 1114 b and establishment and verification ofa tp-patient connection. Patient check initiation 1602 b can furtherinclude beginning to transmit (e.g. stream) data acquired by patientlocation camera 1114 a and patient location microphone 1114 b to trainedpersonnel workstation 122, for example for displaying the acquired datato trained personnel 124. Patient check initiation 1602 b can furtherinclude retrieving relevant details relating to patient 103 (e.g. fromone or more of: data repository 216, check plan repository 210, patient& check plan repository 136 or any other location operatively connectedto patient workstation 114 on which patient data is stored) anddisplaying all or part of the retrieved details on patient workstation114 (e.g. on a display). The retrieved data can include data relating toa patient specific check plan, reading references, communicationparameters, etc. patient check initiation 1602 b can further includeretrieving relevant details relating to patient 103 from externalsystems such as visit scheduling system, Electronic Medical Record (EMR)system or any other system or repository, which are relevant to thepatient examination.

Device check initiation 1602 c can include activating and checking thestatus of diagnostics device 104, including communication with patientworkstation 114 and activation of one or more of diagnostic device 104modules or sensors (e.g. diagnostics sensors 202 and/or navigationmodule 204 and/or guiding module and/or examination module). Devicecheck initiation 1602 c can further include the beginning oftransmission (e.g. stream) of data acquired by diagnostics sensors 202and/or navigation camera 420 to trained personnel workstation 122, forexample for displaying the acquired data to trained personnel 124. It isto be noted that device check initiation 1602 c can be performed, forexample, by examination logic module 208.

As indicated above, patient workstation 114 and diagnostics device 104can be configured to periodically or continuously transmit (e.g. stream,for example using Internet 116, cellular network, etc.) data such asimages, video and voice to trained personnel workstation 122 for purposeof displaying the data to trained personnel 124 (step 1603), anexemplary presentation on trained personnel workstation 122 display isprovided with respect to FIG. 19. It is to be noted that trainedpersonnel workstation 122 and patient workstation 114 can be configuredto continuously or periodically transmit bi-directional video and audioboth from patient workstation 114 to the trained personnel workstation122 and vice versa (step 1603). This data transmission can be used forexample for general patient view, device orientation & videoconferencing, etc.

Trained personnel workstation 124 can be further configured to instructtrained personnel 124 to perform a questionnaire with respect to patient103 (step 1604). The questionnaire can be a pre-defined questionnaire ora questionnaire defined by trained personnel on-the-go. Thequestionnaire can be presented to user 102 by trained personnel (forexample utilizing trained personnel camera 1122 a, trained personnelmicrophone 1122 b), by patient workstation 114 (e.g. displaying thequestions on patient workstation 114 display) or by any other means.User 102 can provide answers to the questionnaire utilizing patientlocation camera 1114 a, patient location microphone 1114 b, in whichcase trained personnel 124 will type the answers to the questionnaire intrained personnel workstation (e.g. using a keyboard). Alternativelyuser 102 can provide answers to the questionnaire by typing the answersin patient workstation 114 (e.g. using a keyboard). It is to be notedthat other methods, such as voice recording, etc. can be utilized inorder to provide answers to the questionnaire. The answers to thequestionnaire can be stored for example in one or more of datarepository 216, check plan repository 210, trained personnel datarepository 123, patient & check plan repository 136 or any otherlocation on which patient data is stored and that is operativelyconnected to trained personnel workstation 122.

A questionnaire can comprise generic and/or patient 103 specificquestions designed to provide trained personnel 124 with a patient'smedical data (e.g. data relating to patient 103 medical condition),including data required to enable analysis of the medical data acquiredduring the medical examinations (e.g. “does the patient have a fever andhow long?”, “how high is it?”, “does the patient feel any pain?”, “whereis the pain located?”, etc.).

Trained personnel workstation 122 can be further configured to perform amedical examination selection and initiation (step 1606). For thatpurpose, trained personnel workstation 122 can enable trained personnel124 to select a medical examination to be performed, either manually orfrom a list of checks to be performed as defined in patient 103 checkplan. Alternatively, trained personnel workstation 122 can select andinitiate a check according to a pre-defined order set by patient 103specific check plan, without input from trained personnel 124. Themedical examination initiation can consist of, for example, retrievingreference medical examination data from the check plan or a relevantrepository. The retrieved data can be displayed to trained personnel 124on a display. An exemplary presentation on trained personnel workstation122 display is provided with respect to FIG. 19. Medical examinationinitiation (step 1606) can also consist of sending relevant data to thepatient workstation 114 and/or diagnostic device 104. Such data caninclude for example user instructions and general guiding information,patient instructions and general guiding information, diagnostic deviceparameters (e.g what check is currently being performed, requiredreading parameters, etc.), etc.

Following selection of a check, trained personnel workstation 122 can beconfigured to enable trained personnel 124 to provide user 102 withnavigational instructions on how to navigate diagnostics device 104 tothe desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof) required for acquiring medical data (step 1610).Such desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (ora specific part thereof) can be defined, for example, manually or by thepatient specific check plan. Trained personnel 124 can view the datapresented on trained personnel workstation 122 (including real-time ornear real-time streaming data received from one or more of patientlocation camera 1114 a, patient location microphone 1114 b, diagnosticssensors 202, navigation module 204) and instruct trained personnelworkstation 122 to provide user 102 with instructions for navigatingdiagnostics device 104 to the desired spatial disposition with respectto patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) for acquiring medicaldata of patient 103. For the purpose of providing the data to bepresented on trained personnel workstation 122, diagnostics device 104can be configured to utilize navigation module 204, including, interalia, activating INS sensors 410, navigation light source 426,navigation camera 420, distance sensors 430, pressure sensors 440, etc.,and transmit (e.g. stream) all or part of the data acquired by any ofthem.

As indicated above, the navigation instructions can be provided by voicecommands (e.g. by transmitting data acquired by trained personnelmicrophone 1122 b to patient workstation 114 or to diagnostic device104). The navigation instructions can also be provided by utilizingguiding device 1124 that enables trained personnel 124 to perform thenavigation and device spatial disposition correction virtually ontrained personnel location 120. In such cases, the navigation performedby trained personnel 124 utilizing guiding device 1124 is analyzed andtranslated to voice commands that can be displayed to user 102.Alternatively or additionally the navigation performed by trainedpersonnel 124 utilizing guiding device 1124 is presented to user 102visually on patient workstation 114 (e.g. on patient workstation 114display). In cases where the data is presented visually, the movementsmade by trained personnel 124 using guiding device 1124 can be presentedto user 102 using a representation of diagnostics device 104, such as,for example, shown in FIG. 13. It is to be noted that the voice and/orvisual navigation instructions can be managed by guiding module 206(e.g. speaker 510, display 502, etc.) of diagnostics device 104 or bypatient workstation 114.

It is to be noted that in some cases, diagnostics device 104 can beconfigured to utilize INS sensors 410 for verifying that diagnosticsdevice 104 movements performed by user 102 are in-line with thenavigational instructions provided by trained personnel 124. In suchcases, if there is a mismatch between diagnostics device 104 movementsmade by user 102 and the navigational instructions provided by trainedpersonnel 124, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to notify user102 of the mismatch, and present him with the required movementcorrection. Such notification can be a voice notification (for exampleusing speaker 510), a vibration notification (for example usingvibration elements 508) or an image notification displayed (for exampleusing navigation guiding presentation (as shown in FIG. 13) on patientlocation workstation 114 display or on display 502.

Upon arrival to diagnostics device 104 desired spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to notify user 102 that diagnostics device 104 is in the requiredspatial disposition. Such notification can be a voice notification (e.g.utilizing trained personnel microphone 1122 b). Alternatively oradditionally a vibrating notification can be provided by diagnosticsdevice 104 (for example using vibration elements 508) and/or a visualnotification can be presented on patient workstation 114 or on display502 (for example following receipt of an indication from trainedpersonnel 124 that diagnostics device 104 is in the required spatialdisposition that can be provided by trained personnel 124 to trainedpersonnel workstation 122, e.g. utilizing keyboard, etc.). It is to benoted that other notification methods can be utilized as well.

Upon arrival to diagnostics device 104 desired spatial disposition withrespect to patient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof), trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to perform a remote reading and verification of the reading 1612.For that purpose, trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured toenable trained personnel 124 to instruct diagnostics device 104 toacquire medical data of patient 103 (e.g. using manual instructionand/or utilizing reading and verification logic module 212 and usingdiagnostics sensors 202, inter alia as indicated above with respect toFIGS. 2 and 3). In response to receiving an instruction to acquiremedical data, diagnostics device 104 can be configured to prepare foracquiring medical data of patient 103, to perform acquisition of suchmedical data and to transmit the acquired data to trained personnelworkstation 122 for example for displaying the acquired data to trainedpersonnel 124. Trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured toenable trained personnel 124 to verify that the acquired data is ofsufficient quality (e.g. in terms of quality, thresholds, length, etc.).In case the acquired data is not of sufficient quality, trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to re-acquire the required data or if needed to instruct user 102and provide navigational instructions to user 102 for repositioning andreorienting diagnostics device 104 in order to bring diagnostics device104 to desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof). Following repositioning and reorienting ofdiagnostics device 104, reading and verification can be re-performed.

Following reading acquisition and verification of patient 103 medicaldata, trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to check ifthe medical examination is done (e.g. all medical examinations definedby patient 103 check plan have been performed). The check can be doneeither automatically by the trained personnel workstation 122 using thepredefined check plan or manually by the trained personnel 124. In casethe medical examination is not done, trained personnel workstation 122can be configured to move to the next medical examination indicated bypatient 103 check plan, or to allow the trained personnel 124 to do somanually. If all required medical examinations are performed, trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to finalize the check, or toallow the trained personnel 124 to do so manually (step 1614).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for navigating a diagnostic device and guiding adiagnostic device user accordingly in a remote trained personnel guidedmedical examination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subjectmatter. Diagnostics device 104 can be configured to activate variousdiagnostics and navigation sensors (such as patient location camera 1114a, patient location microphone 1114 b, diagnostics sensors 202,navigation module 204, etc.) while being moved by user 102 (step 1902).Diagnostics device 104 can be configured to continuously transmit (e.g.stream, for example in real time or near real-time) the data acquired bythe various diagnostics and navigation sensors, inter alia to patientworkstation 114 and/or to trained personnel workstation 122.

Patient workstation 114 can utilize the data acquired by the variousnavigation sensors for presenting (e.g. on a display) data ondiagnostics device 104 movements to user 102 (step 1903) This can allowuser 102 to receive an immediate feedback relating to diagnostics device104 movement (prior to receiving a delayed movement correction feedbackfrom trained personnel 124), thus making the navigation process easier.The data on diagnostics device 104 movements can be presented to user102 for example using a representation of diagnostics device 104, suchas, for example, shown in FIG. 13.

Trained personnel workstation 122 can utilize the data acquired by thevarious navigation sensors for presenting (e.g. on a display) data ondiagnostics device 104 movements to trained personnel 124 (step 1904).The data on diagnostics device 104 movements can be presented to trainedpersonnel 124 using a representation of diagnostics device 104, such as,for example, shown in FIG. 19 (see index 1940 in FIG. 19). Trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can further utilize data acquired by thevarious diagnostics sensors for presenting (e.g. on a display) the datato trained personnel 124 (step 1906). The data acquired by the variousdiagnostics sensors can be presented to trained personnel 124 as, forexample, shown in FIG. 19 (see index 1942 in FIG. 19).

Trained personnel 124 can then utilize the data presented to him (e.g.on a display) and determine if diagnostics device 104 is located in thedesired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or aspecific part thereof) to acquire the required reading and if thecurrent readings received from the diagnostics sensors are of sufficientquality (step 1908). If diagnostics device 104 is located in the desiredspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) and the readings received from the diagnostics sensors areof sufficient quality trained personnel workstation 122 can beconfigured to enable trained personnel 124 to instruct it to continue tothe step of acquiring the medical data (step 1612).

If diagnostics device 104 is not located in the desired spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) and/or the readings received from the diagnostics sensors arenot of sufficient quality, trained personnel workstation 122 can beconfigured to enable trained personnel 124 to provide user 102 withinstructions for navigating diagnostics device 104 to the desiredspatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) (step 1912). As detailed above, inter alia with referenceto FIG. 17, the instructions can be voice instructions and/or visualinstructions. In addition, if needed, trained personnel workstation 122can be configured to enable trained personnel 124 to remotely change oradjust various parameters in diagnostic device 104 (e.g. manuallycontrol diagnostic device 104 sensors such as light intensity, camerafocus, camera zoom, microphone sensitivity, etc.).

As indicated above, visual instructions can be based on utilization ofguiding device 1124. In such cases, trained personnel workstation 122can be configured to display the movements made by guiding device 1124(e.g. on a display). The display can present the movements for exampleusing a representation of diagnostics device 104, as shown for examplein FIG. 19 (see index 1940 in FIG. 19) (step 1914). This presentationwill allow trained personnel 124 to receive an immediate feedbackrelating to his guiding movement, before receiving the delayed feedbackof user 102 corresponding movement using diagnostic device 104.

Trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to transmit (e.g.stream in real time or near-real time) the instructions for correctingthe navigation of diagnostics device 104 to the required spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) to patient workstation 114 or to diagnostic device 104 (step1916). Patient workstation 114 can be configured to provide user 102with the voice and/or visual instructions provided by trained personnel124 (step 1918). The instructions can be provided for example byutilizing a display (e.g. display 502) and/or a speaker (e.g. speaker510). Visual instructions can be presented, for example, as shown anddescribed with reference to FIG. 13 above. Diagnostics device 104 can befurther maneuvered by user 102 (step 1920) while repeating the processdetailed above until diagnostics device 104 is positioned and orientedin the desired spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body(or a specific part thereof) for medical data acquisition.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary navigation andguiding presentation to trained personnel, in accordance with thepresently disclosed subject matter. Trained personnel workstation 122can be configured to display online visit screen 1930. Online visitscreen can be divided to several areas that can contain various datarelevant for performing a remote trained personnel guided medicalexamination. Such data can comprise for example patient & generalinformation 1932, patient view 1936, organ readings—actual readings1944, navigation and guiding presentation 1940, organ view—active sensor1942 and application menu 1934.

Patient & general information 1932 can comprise, for example, variousdata and information about the patient and the online visit status, suchas patient name, patient age, patient address, patient language, datarelating to diseases and/or sensitivities to medicine, online visitdate, time, duration etc.

Patient view 1936 can present, for example, data received (e.g. streamedin real time) from patient location camera 1114 a or patient locationmicrophone 1114 b for enabling trained personnel 124 to see and hearpatient 103 and/or user 102. This information can allow for examplegeneral patient 103 and diagnostics device 104 orientation as well asvideo-conferencing between trained personnel 124 and user 102 and/orpatient 103.

Organ readings—actual readings 1944 can present for example data aboutreference readings, and/or past readings of the organ to be checked.Upon acquiring a patient 103 organ reading (e.g. organ image, video orsound), the result reading transferred from diagnostic device 104, canbe presented in that area. In addition the organ readings—actualreadings 1944 can allow video presentation, zooming, scaling etc. It isto be noted that the reading data presented in this area doesn't requirereal-time update.

Navigation and guiding presentation 1940 can present the currentdiagnostics device 104 spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103body (or a specific part thereof), the desired diagnostics device 104spatial disposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specificpart thereof) and the required correction movement to be performed todiagnostics device 104 in order to move it to the desired spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof). In addition the area can also present trained personnelguiding device 1124 position and orientation based on trained personnel124 movement. Navigation and guiding presentation 1940, can also beconfigured to allow real-time presentation of the guiding/correctionmovement made by trained personnel 124 vs. the corresponding movementmade by user 103 using diagnostic device 104, thus allowing visualpresentation of the tracing of user 103 movements based on trainedpersonnel 124 guiding & navigation correction.

Organ view—active sensor 1942 can present data received (e.g. streamedin real time or near real-time) from diagnostics sensors (e.g. imagebased sensors 310). Trained personnel 124 can use this data, inter aliain order to determine if medical data acquisition can be performed (e.g.diagnostics device 104 is positioned and oriented as desired, the imagequality is good, etc.). It is to be noted that trained personnelworkstation 122 can be configured to use lower quality real-time (ornear real-time) data streaming in organ view—active sensor area 1942(e.g. to increase performance and allow general device position), whileusing a higher quality reading in the organ reading—actual reading area1944 (e.g. use higher quality sensor reading like high definition imageand sound, to be transferred not in real time).

Application menu 1934 can present for example various operationaloptions for operating the system, such as beginning a medicalexamination, saving a medical examination, acquiring medical data,inserting various written data to system (e.g. diagnostics data,comments, etc.), etc. In addition the application menu 1934 can beconfigured to allow a remote control of diagnostic device 104 sensors(e.g. light intense, zoom, focus, sound filters, etc.). It is to benoted that application menu 1934, can be also configured as contextsensitive menu, e.g. the menu can add/remove functionality with relationto a specific window area currently in focus or being manipulated (e.g.add/remove specific functions related for example to a specific windowarea).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a sequence ofoperations carried out for acquisition and verification of a reading bya diagnostic device in a remote trained personnel guided medicalexamination, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.Trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trainedpersonnel 124 to provide user 102 with a notification that diagnosticsdevice 104 is in the desired spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) (step 2002). Thenotification can be a voice notification, e.g. a voice recordingacquired by trained personnel microphone 1122 b, transmitted (e.g.streamed) to patient workstation 114 that can be configured to play itto user 102 (e.g. utilizing speaker 510). Alternatively or additionally,the notification can be a visual notification, as trained personnel 124can instruct trained personnel workstation 122 to instruct patientworkstation to display for example a notification on a display ofpatient workstation 114 or diagnostic device 104. The notification can,for example, instruct user 102 not to move diagnostics device.

Trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trainedpersonnel 124 to instruct diagnostics device 104 and the diagnosticssensors to prepare to acquire medical data of patient 103 (step 2004).The preparation can be defined by the patient specific check plan oraccording to instructions provided by trained personnel 124. Suchpreparations can include preparing diagnostics sensors 202 to acquiremedical data according to the patient specific check plan. Exemplarypreparations are setting image acquisition sensor 316 zoom and/or focus,activating light sources 318 at correct power, activating soundacquisition sensor 324, etc. In addition diagnostic device 104 can beconfigured to retrieve the relevant reading parameters and thresholdsfor example from the patient specific check plan (e.g. the requiredlength of reading, reference thresholds such as minimal sound volume,etc.). It is to be noted that trained personnel 124 can also manuallyadjust or change the relevant reading parameters and thresholds (e.g.override the patient specific check plan).

Trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trainedpersonnel 124 to re-evaluate diagnostics device 104 current spatialdisposition with respect to patient's 103 body (or a specific partthereof) and verify that no movements have been made and that it isstill located in the desired spatial disposition with respect topatient's 103 body (or a specific part thereof) (step 2005). In casethere has been a change in diagnostics device 104 position and/ororientation, trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured toenable trained personnel 124 to return to the navigation and guidingprocess (1610). Otherwise, trained personnel workstation 122 can beconfigured to enable trained personnel 124 to perform medical dataacquisition utilizing diagnostics device 104 (step 2006). The medicaldata can be acquired according to the check plan, that, as indictedabove, can include information, inter alia about the examinationprocess, steps and logic, and predefined reading parameters such as typeof sensor to be used (still image vs. video), required length of reading(sound or video recording) in terms of time (e.g. seconds), and readingdata thresholds (for example definition of acceptable minimal and/ormaximal reading limits to be used as a quality parameter of a reading.Thus, for example, if the heart is to be checked, the check plan candefine that the sound based sensors 320 are to be used and that thereading length should be 3 seconds, or between 2.5 and 5 seconds, etc.).It is to be noted that trained personnel 124 can also manually adjust orchange the relevant reading parameters and thresholds (e.g. override thepatient specific check plan).

Following medical data acquisition, the data can be transmitted (e.g.streamed) to trained personnel workstation 122 which can then displaythe acquired data to trained personnel 124, as shown for example in FIG.19 (see index 1944 in FIG. 19) (step 2007).

Trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trainedpersonnel 124 to verify that the acquired medical data meets pre-definedstandards (e.g. a required length of reading, reading data thresholds,etc.) (step 2008). For example, if the heart is to be checked, and thecheck plan defines that the reading length should be between 2.5 and 5seconds, trained personnel workstation 122 can be configured to enabletrained personnel 124 to check that the reading length meets therequirement. In case the acquired medical data did not meet thepre-defined standards, trained personnel workstation 122 can beconfigured to enable trained personnel 124 to check if the acquiredmedical data is ok (for example that the acquired medical data is ofsufficient quality, etc.).

In case the acquired medical data is not ok (for example that theacquired medical data is not of sufficient quality, etc.), trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to perform a manual reading (step 2009). As noted above trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to manually adjust or control different diagnostic device 104parameters such as light intensity, camera focus, camera zoom, readingduration, sound filtering, etc.

If the acquired medical data is still not ok after the manual reading2009, but the process was ok (e.g. diagnostic device 104 did not reportany error, and the guiding process was performed correctly), trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to return to step 2004 (in order to retry acquiring the medicaldata). If the process was not ok, trained personnel workstation 122 canbe configured to issue a notification to trained personnel 124 of apotential error (for example by presenting a message on trainedpersonnel workstation 122, etc.) and enable him to decide if theacquired medical data is to be saved or not. If user 102 chooses to savethe acquired medical data, or the acquired medical data is ok, trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to enable trained personnel124 to save the acquired medical data (for example, in one or more of adata repository 216, patient & check plan repository 136, trainedpersonnel data repository 123 or any other location operativelyconnected to diagnostics device 104 on which patient data is stored)(step 2014).

Optionally, in case the reading acquisition process was ok, trainedpersonnel workstation 122 can be configured to update the reference datawith the acquired medical data (step 2016). This can be performed inorder to keep the reference data up to date, as changes can occur to thehuman body (for example in light of growing up, aging, medicaltreatments, etc.).

It is to be noticed that each of the components and modules describedabove can be combined with one or more of the other components andmodules described above.

It is to be noted that when referring to part of the functionalitydescribed as performed by diagnostics device 104 can be performed,alternatively or additionally, by any one of patient workstation 114 orby any other suitable device, including, but not limited to, trainedpersonnel workstation 122, central system 130, etc.

It is to be noted that, with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 11,12, 12 a, 14, 17, 18, 20, some of the blocks/steps can be integratedinto a consolidated block/step or can be broken down to a fewblocks/steps and/or other blocks/steps may be added. Furthermore, insome cases, the blocks/steps can be performed in a different order thandescribed herein. It should be also noted that whilst the flow diagramsare described also with reference to the system elements that realizesthem, this is by no means binding, and the blocks/steps can be performedby elements other than those described herein.

It is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter isnot limited in its application to the details set forth in thedescription contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. Thepresently disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments andof being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Assuch, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception uponwhich this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present presently disclosed subject matter.

It will also be understood that the system according to the presentlydisclosed subject matter may be a suitably programmed computer.Likewise, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates a computerprogram being readable by a computer for executing the method of thepresently disclosed subject matter. The presently disclosed subjectmatter further contemplates a machine-readable memory tangibly embodyinga program of instructions executable by the machine for executing themethod of the presently disclosed subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A workstation configured to perform one ormore remote medical examinations of a patient wherein the workstation isoperably connectable to a remote handheld diagnostics device and whereinthe workstation comprising a display and at least one processorconfigured to perform the following for at least one remote medicalexamination of the remote medical examinations: receive navigationenabling data acquired by one or more navigation sensors of the remotehandheld diagnostics device, said navigation enabling data beingindicative of a spatial disposition of the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice with respect to the patient body; display the received navigationenabling data on the display; receive an indication of a desired spatialdisposition of the remote handheld diagnostics device with respect tothe patient's body, from which medical data of the patient is to beacquired in accordance with said at least one medical examination, saidindication being provided by a trained personnel operating saidworkstation; and send the received indication to the remote handhelddiagnostics device, thereby enabling the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice to automatically calculate maneuvering instructions based on theindication and on the navigation enabling data, and to provide a user ofthe remote handheld diagnostics device with the calculated maneuveringinstructions, the calculated maneuvering instructions configured todirect the user of the remote handheld diagnostics device to navigatethe remote handheld diagnostics device to the desired spatialdisposition with respect to the patient's body.
 2. The workstationaccording to claim 1 wherein said processor is further configured tooperate at least one diagnostics sensor of said remote handhelddiagnostics device in order to acquire said medical data upon arrival tothe desired spatial disposition.
 3. The workstation according to claim 2wherein the diagnostics sensor is an image based diagnostics sensor. 4.The workstation according to claim 2 wherein the diagnostics sensor is asound based diagnostics sensor.
 5. The workstation according to claim 2wherein one of the navigation sensors and the diagnostics sensor are acommon camera.
 6. The workstation according to claim 1 wherein thenavigation enabling data is body or body organ images.
 7. Theworkstation according to claim 6 wherein the body organ images areinternal body organ images.
 8. The workstation according to claim 6wherein one of the navigation sensors is a camera.
 9. The workstationaccording to claim 1 wherein one of said navigation sensors is anInertial Navigation System (INS) comprising one or more accelerometersand one or more gyroscopes and wherein the navigation enabling data isINS data received from the INS.
 10. The workstation according to claim 1wherein said processor is further configured to instruct the remotehandheld diagnostics device to acquire patient specific reference dataindicative of the desired spatial disposition of the remote handhelddiagnostics device with respect to the patient's body for performingsaid medical examination.
 11. The workstation according to claim 10wherein said instruction is provided during a calibration processperformed by a trained personnel.
 12. The workstation according to claim11 wherein said processor is further configured to perform the followingsteps during the calibration process: receive, from the trainedpersonnel, an indication of a medical examination to be performed;provide the trained personnel with guidance for performing thecalibration; and upon arrival to the desired diagnostics device spatialdisposition, record said reference data indicative of the desiredspatial disposition of the remote handheld diagnostics device withrespect to the specific patient's body for performing said medicalexamination.
 13. The workstation according to claim 1 wherein saidreceived indication is in at least four degrees of freedom and whereinthe workstation further comprises a guiding device configured to receivesaid indication from the trained personnel.
 14. The workstationaccording to claim 1 wherein said processor is further configured toreceive medical data acquired by the remote handheld diagnostics deviceand display it on the display.
 15. The workstation according to claim 1wherein the one or more medical examinations of the patient are definedby a pre-defined check plan associated with the patient.
 16. Theworkstation according to claim 1 wherein said processor is furtherconfigured to: receive one or more questions relating to the patient;provide the one or more questions to the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice for presenting them to the patient; and receive answers to theone or more questions.
 17. The workstation according to claim 16 whereinthe one or more questions are defined by the pre-defined check plan. 18.The workstation according to claim 16 wherein the one or more questionsare received from the trained personnel.
 19. The workstation accordingto claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to enable thetrained personnel to verify that the acquired medical data meetspre-defined standards.
 20. The workstation according to claim 19 whereinthe pre-defined standards are at least one of: (a) a required length ofreading; (b) a minimal recorded sound volume; (c) a minimal recordedsound quality; (d) a minimal pressure against the patient's body; (e) amaximal pressure against the patient's body; (f) a maximal allowedmovement of the remote handheld diagnostics device during acquisition ofreadings; (g) a type of image reading; (h) a required image readingzoom; (i) a required image reading light; (j) a required image readingmatching to predefined reference; and (k) a minimal image quality. 21.The workstation according to claim 1 wherein said processor is furtherconfigured to display the received indication on the display.
 22. Amethod for performing one or more remote medical examinations of apatient using a workstation operably connectable to a remote handhelddiagnostics device, and wherein for at least one remote medicalexamination of the remote medical examinations, said method comprising:receiving navigation enabling data acquired by one or more navigationsensors of the remote handheld diagnostics device, said navigationenabling data being indicative of a spatial disposition of the remotehandheld diagnostics device with respect to the patient's body;displaying the received navigation enabling data; receiving anindication of a desired spatial disposition of the remote handhelddiagnostics device with respect to the patient's body, from whichmedical data of the patient is to be acquired in accordance with said atleast one medical examination, said indication being provided by atrained personnel operating said workstation; and sending the receivedindication to the remote handheld diagnostics device, thereby enablingthe remote handheld diagnostics device to automatically calculatemaneuvering instructions based on the indication and on the navigationenabling data, and to provide a user of the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice with the calculated maneuvering instructions, the calculatedmaneuvering instructions configured to direct the user of the remotehandheld diagnostics device to navigate the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice to the desired spatial disposition with respect to the patient'sbody.
 23. The method according to claim 22 further comprising acquiringsaid medical data upon arrival to the desired spatial disposition. 24.The method according to claim 23 further comprising receiving theacquired medical data from the remote handheld diagnostics device anddisplaying it to the trained personnel.
 25. The method according toclaim 23 further comprising enabling the trained personnel to verifythat the acquired medical data meets pre-defined standards.
 26. Themethod according to claim 25 wherein the pre-defined standards are atleast one of: (a) a required length of reading; (b) a minimal recordedsound volume; (c) a minimal recorded sound quality; (d) a minimalpressure against the patient's body; (e) a maximal pressure against thepatient's body; (f) a maximal allowed movement of the remote handhelddiagnostics device during acquisition of readings; (g) a type of imagereading; (h) a required image reading zoom; (i) a required image readinglight; (j) a required image reading matching to predefined reference;and (k) a minimal image quality.
 27. The method according to claim 22wherein the navigation enabling data is body or body organ images. 28.The method according to claim 27 wherein the body organ images areinternal body organ images.
 29. The method according to claim 22 whereinone of said navigation sensors is an Inertial Navigation System (INS)comprising one or more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes andwherein the navigation enabling data is INS data received from the INS.30. The method according to claim 22 further comprising displayingpatient specific reference data indicative of the desired spatialdisposition of the remote handheld diagnostics device with respect tothe patient's body for performing said medical examination.
 31. Themethod according to claim 30 wherein the reference data is acquiredduring a calibration process performed by a trained personnel.
 32. Themethod according to claim 31 wherein said calibration process comprises:receiving an indication of a medical examination to be performed;providing the trained personnel with guidance for performing thecalibration; and recording said reference data indicative of the desiredspatial disposition of the remote handheld diagnostics device withrespect to the patient's body upon arrival to the desired diagnosticsdevice spatial disposition.
 33. The method according to claim 22 whereinthe one or more medical examinations of the patient are defined by apre-defined check plan associated with the patient.
 34. The methodaccording to claim 22 further comprising: receiving one or morequestions relating to the patient; providing the one or more questionsto the diagnostics device for presenting them to the patient; andreceiving answers to the one or more questions.
 35. The method accordingto claim 34 wherein the one or more questions are defined by thepre-defined check plan.
 36. The method according to claim 34 wherein theone or more questions are received from the trained personnel.
 37. Themethod of claim 22 wherein said received indication is in at least fourdegrees of freedom and wherein the workstation further comprising aguiding device configured to receive said indication from the trainedpersonnel.
 38. A handheld diagnostics device configured to perform oneor more remote medical examinations of a patient by a remote trainedpersonnel, wherein the handheld diagnostics device is operablyconnectable to a remote workstation and wherein the handheld diagnosticsdevice comprising one or more navigation sensors, at least onediagnostics sensor and a processor, said processor configured to performthe following for the at least one remote medical examination of saidremote medical examinations: acquire navigation enabling data utilizingthe one or more navigation sensors, said navigation enabling data beingindicative of a spatial disposition of the diagnostics device withrespect to the patient's body; send the acquired navigation enablingdata to the remote workstation; receive an indication of a desiredspatial disposition with respect to the patient's body, from whichmedical data of the patient is to be acquired in accordance with said atleast one remote medical examination, said indication being provided bya trained personnel operating the workstation; determine a spatialdisposition of the diagnostics device with respect to the desiredspatial disposition, utilizing the acquired navigation enabling data andthe indication; calculate maneuvering instructions for a requiredmovement correction from the determined spatial disposition to thedesired spatial disposition, for acquiring medical data of the patientin accordance with said at least one medical examination; andautomatically provide a user of the handheld diagnostics device with thecalculated maneuvering instructions, the calculated maneuveringinstructions configured to direct the user of the remote handhelddiagnostics device to navigate said diagnostics device to the desiredspatial disposition in accordance with the required movement correction.39. The handheld diagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein saidprocessor is further configured to operate at least one diagnosticssensor of said diagnostics device in order to acquire said medical dataupon arrival to the desired spatial disposition.
 40. The handhelddiagnostics device according to claim 39 wherein said operate isperformed automatically in response to a command received from theremote workstation.
 41. The handheld diagnostics device according toclaim 39 wherein the diagnostics sensor is an image based diagnosticssensor.
 42. The handheld diagnostics device according to claim 39wherein the diagnostics sensor is a sound based diagnostics sensor. 43.The workstation according to claim 39 wherein one of the navigationsensors and the diagnostics sensor are a common camera.
 44. The handhelddiagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein the navigation enablingdata is body or body organ images.
 45. The handheld diagnostics deviceaccording to claim 44 wherein the body organ images are internal bodyorgan images.
 46. The handheld diagnostics device according to claim 44wherein one of the navigation sensors is a camera.
 47. The handhelddiagnostics device according to claim 44 wherein said navigationenabling data further comprises Inertial Navigation System (INS) dataand wherein processor is configured to perform the following additionalsteps in order to determine the diagnostics device spatial dispositionwith respect to the desired spatial dispositions: receive INS dataacquired in at least three pre-defined reference points on the patient'sbody; determine, based on the received INS data, the diagnostics devicespatial disposition with respect to said desired spatial disposition.48. The handheld diagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein one ofsaid navigation sensors is an Inertial Navigation System (INS)comprising one or more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes andwherein the navigation enabling data is INS data received from the INS.49. The handheld diagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein saidprocessor is further configured to: receive a command to acquire patientspecific reference data indicative of the desired spatial disposition ofthe diagnostics device with respect to the patient's body for performingsaid medical examination; acquire the patient specific reference datautilizing the at least one diagnostics sensor; and transmit the patientspecific reference data to the remote workstation.
 50. The handhelddiagnostics device according to claim 49 wherein the command to acquirepatient specific reference data is received from the remote workstationduring a calibration process performed by a trained personnel.
 51. Thehandheld diagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein the one ormore medical examinations of the patient are defined by a pre-definedcheck plan associated with the patient.
 52. The handheld diagnosticsdevice according to claim 38 wherein said processor is furtherconfigured to: provide said user with one or more questions relating tothe patient; receive answers to the one or more questions; and transmitsaid answers to said remote workstation.
 53. The handheld diagnosticsdevice according to claim 52 wherein the one or more questions aredefined by the pre-defined check plan.
 54. The handheld diagnosticsdevice according to claim 52 wherein the one or more questions arereceived from a trained personnel operating said workstation.
 55. Thehandheld diagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein said receivedindication is in at least four degrees of freedom.
 56. The handhelddiagnostics device according to claim 38 wherein said processor isfurther configured to verify that movements of the handheld diagnosticsdevice correspond to the maneuvering instructions.
 57. The handhelddiagnostics device according to claim 56 wherein said processor isfurther configured to notify said user if the movements of the handhelddiagnostics device do not correspond to the maneuvering instructions.58. The handheld diagnostics device according to claim 56 wherein saidprocessor is further configured to notify said user that diagnosticsdevice is in the desired spatial disposition.
 59. A method for operatinga handheld diagnostics device for performing one or more remote medicalexaminations of a patient by a remote trained personnel, wherein thehandheld diagnostics device is operably connectable to a remoteworkstation and wherein for the at least one remote medical examinationof said remote medical examinations said method comprising: acquiringnavigation enabling data utilizing one or more navigation sensors of thehandheld diagnostics device, said navigation enabling data beingindicative of a spatial disposition of the diagnostics device withrespect to the patient's body; sending the acquired navigation enablingdata to the remote workstation; receiving an indication of a desiredspatial disposition with respect to the patient's body, from whichmedical data of the patient is to be acquired in accordance with said atleast one remote medical examination, said indication being provided bya trained personnel operating the workstation; determining a spatialdisposition of the diagnostics device with respect to the desiredspatial disposition, utilizing the acquired navigation enabling data andthe indication; calculating maneuvering instructions for a requiredmovement correction from the determined spatial disposition to thedesired spatial disposition, for acquiring medical data of the patientin accordance with said at least one medical examination; andautomatically providing a user of the handheld diagnostics device withthe calculated maneuvering instructions, the calculated maneuveringinstructions configured to direct the user of the remote handhelddiagnostics device to navigate said diagnostics device to the desiredspatial disposition in accordance with the required movement correction.60. The method according to claim 59 further comprising operating atleast one diagnostics sensor of said diagnostics device in order toacquire said medical data upon arrival to the desired spatialdisposition.
 61. The method according to claim 60 wherein said operatingis performed automatically in response to receiving a command from theremote workstation.
 62. The method according to claim 59 wherein thenavigation enabling data is body or body organ images.
 63. The methodaccording to claim 62 wherein the body organ images are internal bodyorgan images.
 64. The method of claim 62 wherein said navigationenabling data further comprises Inertial Navigation System (INS) dataand wherein said determining further comprises: receiving INS dataacquired in at least three pre-defined reference points on the patient'sbody; determining, based on the received INS data, the diagnosticsdevice spatial disposition with respect to said desired spatialdisposition.
 65. The method according to claim 59 wherein one of saidnavigation sensors is an Inertial Navigation System (INS) comprising oneor more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes and wherein thenavigation enabling data is INS data received from the INS.
 66. Themethod according to claim 59 further comprising: receiving a command toacquire patient specific reference data indicative of the desiredspatial disposition of the diagnostics device with respect to thepatient's body for performing said medical examination; acquiring thepatient specific reference data; and transmitting the patient specificreference data to the remote workstation.
 67. The method according toclaim 59 further comprising: receiving a command to acquire a patientspecific reference image indicative of the desired spatial dispositionof the diagnostics device with respect to the patient's body forperforming said medical examination; acquiring the patient specificreference image; and transmitting the patient specific reference imageto the remote workstation.
 68. The method according to claim 67 whereinthe command to acquire a patient specific reference image is receivedfrom the remote workstation during a calibration process performed bytrained personnel operating said workstation.
 69. The method accordingto claim 59 wherein the one or more medical examinations of the patientare defined by a pre-defined check plan associated with the patient. 70.The method according to claim 59 further comprising: providing said userwith one or more questions relating to the patient; receiving answers tothe one or more questions; and transmitting said answers to said remoteworkstation.
 71. The method according to claim 70 wherein the one ormore questions are defined by the pre-defined check plan.
 72. The methodaccording to claim 70 wherein the one or more questions are receivedfrom a trained personnel operating said workstation.
 73. The method ofclaim 59 wherein said received indication is are in at least fourdegrees of freedom.
 74. The method according to claim 59 furthercomprising verifying that movements of the handheld diagnostics devicecorrespond with the maneuvering instructions.
 75. The method accordingto claim 74 further comprising notifying said user if the movements ofthe handheld diagnostics device do not correspond to the maneuveringinstructions.
 76. The method according to claim 59 further comprisingnotifying said user that diagnostics device is in the desired spatialdisposition.
 77. A computer program product comprising a computerstorage device having stored thereon computer executable instructionsthat when executed by a processor cause the computer to execute a methodfor operating a handheld diagnostics device for performing, for at leastone remote medical examination of one or more remote medicalexaminations of a patient by a remote trained personnel, wherein thehandheld diagnostics device is operably connectable to a remoteworkstation, the method comprising: acquiring navigation enabling datautilizing one or more navigation sensors of a handheld diagnosticsdevice, said navigation enabling data being indicative of a spatialdisposition of the diagnostics device with respect to the patient'sbody; sending the acquired navigation enabling data to the remoteworkstation; receiving an indication of a desired spatial dispositionwith respect to the patient's body, from which medical data of thepatient is to be acquired in accordance with said at least one remotemedical examination, said indication being provided by a trainedpersonnel operating the workstation; determining a spatial dispositionof the diagnostics device with respect to the desired spatialdisposition, utilizing the acquired navigation enabling data and theindication; calculating maneuvering instructions for a required movementcorrection from the determined spatial disposition to the desiredspatial disposition, for acquiring medical data of the patient inaccordance with said at least one medical examination; and automaticallyproviding a user of the handheld diagnostics device with the calculatedmaneuvering instructions, the calculated maneuvering instructionsconfigured to direct the user of the remote handheld diagnostics deviceto navigate said diagnostics device to the desired spatial dispositionin accordance with the required movement correction.
 78. A computerprogram product comprising a computer storage device having storedthereon computer executable instructions that when executed by aprocessor cause the computer to execute a method for performing one ormore remote medical examinations of a patient using a workstationoperably connectable to a remote handheld diagnostics device, andwherein for at least one remote medical examination of the remotemedical examinations, said method comprising: receiving navigationenabling data acquired by one or more navigation sensors of the remotehandheld diagnostics device, said navigation enabling data beingindicative of a spatial disposition of the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice with respect to the patient's body; displaying the receivednavigation enabling data; receiving an indication of a desired spatialdisposition of the remote handheld diagnostics device with respect tothe patient's body, from which medical data of the patient is to beacquired in accordance with said at least one medical examination, saidindication being provided by a trained personnel operating saidworkstation; and sending the received indication to the remote handhelddiagnostics device, thereby enabling the remote handheld diagnosticsdevice to automatically calculate maneuvering instructions based on theindication and on the navigation enabling data, and to provide a user ofthe remote handheld diagnostics device with the calculated maneuveringinstructions, the calculated maneuvering instructions configured todirect the user of the remote handheld diagnostics device to navigatethe remote handheld diagnostics device to the desired spatialdisposition with respect to the patient's body.